Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police launched a joint operation on 23 April 2026 to stop youths from throwing stones and other objects at public transport and vehicles. The initiative aims to curb a rise in antisocial behaviour that has caused significant disruptions to travel across the town.
The Park End area has been the most affected, with officials reporting that recent attacks were so dangerous that several buses had to be taken out of service. Notably, the Stagecoach service 39 was subject to emergency evening withdrawals from the Overdale Road area earlier this month due to ongoing vandalism.
To identify those responsible, neighbourhood wardens and plain-clothed police officers are now travelling on selected buses. Authorities have also installed additional CCTV cameras to monitor a local play park where groups had been gathering. So far, council officers have visited the homes of identified individuals to speak directly with their parents regarding the behaviour.
According to Middlesbrough Council, these enforcement measures have already led to a significant reduction in incidents in Park End. This follows a broader pattern of concern, including a dispersal order issued in Coulby Newham to address similar reports of vehicles being targeted with thrown objects. Further dispersal orders were also implemented in Berwick Hills earlier this year to combat damage to buses, taxis, and property.
Police are urging parents to discuss the dangers of these actions with their children, noting that such incidents can lead to serious consequences. In March 2026, a man sustained serious facial injuries after a stone was thrown at a vehicle in the area, highlighting the risks posed to the public.
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