Sheerness faces scrutiny as crime rates soar, sparking mixed reactions from locals
Sheerness: The town has recently been labeled as one of the most dangerous places in England. A TikTok user named Phil Carr stirred things up with his video, claiming it’s worse than a prison colony.
He even said it might be the most dangerous spot in the southeast. Recent stats back this up, showing Sheerness as the second most dangerous small town in Kent.
With 181 crimes per 1,000 residents last year, that adds up to over 2,300 crimes for its 13,000 people. It’s also one of the most deprived areas in England, according to the Office for National Statistics.
One local didn’t hold back, calling it an “isolated hellhole” and warning others not to move there. But not everyone agrees. Some residents cherish the community spirit that still thrives in the town.
Alice, who works at a local funeral home, said she loves living there because of the familiar faces and strong community ties. She admitted there are some rough spots but insisted they don’t have much trouble.
Martin, a long-time resident, described it as a big village and dismissed the prison colony claim. Helen, who works at a fish and chip shop, acknowledged some crime but said she’s never personally witnessed anything too bad.
Despite the negative reputation, Sheerness has its highlights. The beach was recently recognized as one of the best in Kent, earning a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and safety.
Plus, there’s Barton’s Point Coastal Park, a beautiful area for outdoor fun like windsurfing and kayaking. It’s also a great spot for fishing and has a model engineering society that offers train rides.
