Humberside Police Launch Operation to Target Anti-Social Behaviour in Hull

Humberside Police have launched a dedicated operation to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in Hull city centre, with a particular focus on the areas around the Prospect Centre, Whitefriargate and the surrounding streets. Operation Stronghold, which began this week, will see increased foot patrols by uniformed and plain-clothes officers, working alongside Hull City Council's community safety team and local business owners to identify and deal with the most prolific offenders.

The operation comes in response to growing concerns from retailers, hospitality businesses and members of the public about aggressive begging, street drinking, drug use and intimidating behaviour in the city centre. HullBID, the business improvement district that represents over 600 city centre businesses, reported a 40 per cent increase in anti-social behaviour incidents logged through its reporting system in the final quarter of 2025 compared with the same period the previous year. Several businesses on Whitefriargate and in the Prospect Centre have cited anti-social behaviour as a significant factor affecting trade and deterring customers.

Chief Inspector Sarah Walters, who is leading the operation, said officers would take a firm but fair approach. "We understand that many of the individuals involved in anti-social behaviour in the city centre are dealing with complex issues including homelessness, addiction and mental health problems," she said. "Our approach is to work with partner agencies to offer support and pathways out of these situations, but where individuals refuse help and continue to cause harm to others, we will not hesitate to use the enforcement powers available to us, including criminal behaviour orders and dispersal notices."

Hull City Council has also announced the installation of additional CCTV cameras in key locations around the city centre as part of the operation, with live monitoring from the council's CCTV control room on Alfred Gelder Street. Outreach workers from local charities including Emmaus Hull and the Rough Sleepers Initiative will accompany police patrols to offer immediate support to vulnerable individuals. The operation is initially planned to run for three months, with a review in May to assess its impact and determine whether it should be extended.