Canterbury residents lament rising crime rates impacting the citys safety and reputation.
Residents say the city center isn’t quaint anymore. They report more shoplifting and fights. Drug issues and arson are also happening more. Safety is now a big concern for locals. Some avoid certain areas when it gets dark.
Police data shows lots of crime. In Westgate, they had 215 reports last November. Sixty-six were violent or sexual offences. Forty-one were shoplifting incidents alone. Fourteen involved damage to property or arson. Some areas have high crime levels, like Butchery Lane. St. George’s Street and Gravel Walk also see trouble.
Aldi on St. Andrews Close had twelve crimes reported. Eight of those were shoplifting instances. The bus station recorded nineteen offenses. The statistics create a worrying picture for the residents. This is in spite of the history and tourism.
Ryan Rowe used to be homeless in the city. He believes nightlife causes crime. He blames certain pubs for the increased problems. These pubs can become trouble hotspots. He stated people drink heavily on weekends. Some manage it, but others do not.
Ethan Snoad said drug use worsened in the city. He particularly noted it increased in clubs. Drink spiking is also more common. He stated regulars learn what streets to avoid. Sticking with crowds can keep you safe.
Locals call Canterbury a “second-class Las Vegas.” Betting shops are popping up everywhere. There are at least seven in the central area. This raises worries about gambling addiction. It also connects to associated crime.
Violent attacks and harassment are serious too. They especially affect vulnerable people. Canterbury has a growing homeless population. Drug addiction worsens the issue. Desperation fuels more crime.
Retail staff feel the pressure as well. Susan Patton works at a Boots store. She said youths threatened their security guard. They stole from the store many times.
Police say overall crime actually fell in Canterbury. The ONS reported fewer crimes there. The wider Kent area also saw a decrease. They recorded fewer crimes in the past year, too. Chief Inspector Paul Stoner knows about the challenges. He assured residents police work to keep the city safe.
He mentioned more officers are patrolling the city. They are expanding community policing too. Undercover operations have lead to shoplifter arrests. They are working to protect women at night.
Canterbury faces a turning point. Residents feel like crime has gotten out of hand. Police believe the situation is getting better. The city needs to reclaim its old reputation soon.