North Tyneside Council is once again asking residents to help protect local play areas following a recent spate of vandalism across the borough.
In the past few weeks, nine council-owned play sites have been targeted by vandals — some on multiple occasions — causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
While antisocial behaviour across North Tyneside has fallen by 28% in the first five months of 2025, thanks to a partnership between the Council and Northumbria Police, the council is determined to put a stop to these specific acts of vandalism.
The damage is placing extra strain on resources and limiting access to play equipment at a crucial time, with the summer holidays underway.
In some cases, people are believed to have brought cutting tools to cause damage, with items such as chains, ropes, and rubber safety matting being cut or ripped out.
The council has responsibility for 55 play sites across North Tyneside and the damage is proving very costly and time-consuming to repair.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
“It’s disappointing to see this happening at our play sites. These spaces are for children and families to enjoy, and the equipment requires significant investment to install and maintain.
“Our teams work hard to keep these sites safe and well-maintained, but repairs can be challenging, especially when we carry out the work only to find that there is further damage the very next day.
“Many of our play areas are in residential neighbourhoods where people can keep an eye on what’s happening, and our Community Protection teams also monitor parks regularly.
“We encourage anyone who sees vandalism going on to report it to the police or to our Community Protection officers. This will help us to protect these play sites and ensure they area available for local families to enjoy.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Hood, of Northumbria Police, said: “We’re aware of recent criminal damage at some play parks in North Tyneside including vandalism, graffiti on play equipment, and other anti-social behaviour.
“This type of damage affects everyone in our community, especially families and children who rely on our parks for safe, outdoor spaces.
“We’re working hard alongside our partners to tackle this, but we can’t do it alone.
“If you see something suspicious, please report it – and together we can make a difference.”
Anyone with information can report to Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, or by using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.
Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, dial 999.
Parks targeted in recent incidents:
- Tall Trees – 4 separate instances of vandalism and repairs to the surface since Easter
- Churchill Playing Fields - 3 separate instances of vandalism and repairs to the surface since Easter
- Whitley Park – 3 separate instances of vandalism and repairs to safer surface since Easter
- Killingworth Park - 4 separate instances of vandalism and repairs to the surface since Easter
- Pool Park – only 1 incident but a large area of safer surface was pulled up
- Panama skate park – homophobic/racist graffiti
- Alexander Scott Park – 1 swing chain partially cut through (about two days after it was replaced)
Anyone with concerns about antisocial behaviour can contact Northumbria Police via social media, the live chat and report forms on their website, or by calling 101.
Concerns can also be reported to the council’s Community Protection team at community.protection@northtyneside.gov.uk.