The aftermath of a fatal crash on the A66 in Middlesbrough has brought renewed attention to organized crime and the perceived lack of opportunities for young people in the area. The incident, which involved a car traveling the wrong way after being pursued by officers and resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two police officers, has spurred discussions among young men about their community.
Inside Hemlington Boxing Club, the sound of gloves hitting pads offers an alternative to the allure of street life. "You see it all the time," said Dylan, a 20-year-old who trains at the club, referring to activities like quad bikes roaring past in the darkness. "But I just can't see it stopping. The police can't really do much against it."
For young men like Dylan, who knew one of the individuals killed in the crash, there are concerns about how easily young people can become involved in criminal activities. "You could walk around the corner and there's just a gang of lads stood there and they shout you over," he explained. Dylan and other boxers at the club attribute the prevalence of gangs to a lack of safe activities and opportunities for youth in the region. They believe participation in sports like boxing has helped them avoid the paths of crime and drug involvement.
A report published last month by the Centre for Social Justice found that north-east England has the highest rate of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the UK, with approximately one in five individuals aged 16 to 24 falling into this category.
Dylan, who works as a joiner, feels fortunate to have found a job that occupies his time and mind. "I think that's where it's going wrong, because people haven't got anything to do," he stated. "So they go into [crime], and it just spirals from there."
Alex, 21, who has been training at Hemlington for over two years, echoed these sentiments. "If I wasn't here I'd just be out with my mates, or I'd just be sat at home doing nothing," he said. "Realistically, what are you going to do on a night? There's nothing to do. Everyone's just out and about, especially the kids."
Alex described crime in the area as having become "normal," with some young people even filming incidents for social media platforms like TikTok. Since the A66 crash, Alex's family has urged him to leave the area, citing its negative reputation. "You hear nothing good from Middlesbrough any more," he said. "It's just got a bad reputation."
James, 24, who has since moved away from Middlesbrough, recalled witnessing "quite a lot" of gang activity, including drug offenses, knife crime, and petty offenses. While acknowledging criticism of Cleveland Police following the crash, residents like James suggest that authorities need to "get to know the people more, understand the people more" to build trust.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller acknowledged the difficult period for the force following the deaths of the two officers. However, she stated that the local area has been "portrayed in the national media in a way that we don't necessarily recognise." Fuller recognized that there are issues that policing and other agencies need to address to improve safety. She noted that a "minority" intent on causing harm can have a significant impact on communities and encouraged residents to report problems. Fuller expressed hope that young men who choose to avoid crime, like those at the boxing gym, would be supported and that the community would look out for signs of individuals being drawn into criminal activity.