Canterbury, known for its stunning medieval architecture and famous cathedral, has long been a jewel of Kent. But beneath its picturesque exterior, locals claim the city is grappling with a surge in crime, antisocial behaviour, and lawlessness.

       Residents have spoken out about how their once-quaint city centre has become a hotspot for shoplifting, violent altercations, drug-related incidents, and even arson. The historic streets—once filled with tourists and students—are now plagued by concerns over safety, with some locals actively avoiding certain areas after dark.

       These fears aren’t entirely unfounded. According to Kent Police, 215 crimes were reported in Canterbury’s Westgate area in November 2024 alone. Of these, 66 were violent and sexual offences, 41 were shoplifting incidents, and 14 involved criminal damage or arson.

       Some of the most crime-ridden areas include Butchery Lane, St. George’s Street, and Gravel Walk, all of which have seen significant levels of offending. The city’s Aldi on St. Andrews Close reported 12 crimes in November, eight of which were related to shoplifting, while the Watling Street Bus Station recorded 19 offences.

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       Despite Canterbury’s historical significance and its status as a major tourist hub, the statistics paint a worrying picture for locals.

       Ryan Rowe, 29, who was homeless in the city for over a year, claims that Canterbury’s nightlife plays a major role in the rise of crime, pointing the finger at certain pubs that become hotspots for trouble.

       “On a Friday and Saturday night, you want to avoid Wetherspoons big time because it’s just not a good place,” he told The Sun. “People drink pint after pint after pint. Some handle it fine, but others? Not so much.”

       Concerns about drug use are also mounting. Ethan Snoad, 19, said that substance abuse in the city has worsened, particularly in clubs, where drink spiking is becoming more common.

       “If you’re here regularly, you learn which streets to avoid. Stick with the crowds, and you’ll be alright,” he told the publication.

       Meanwhile, locals have labelled Canterbury a "second-class Las Vegas" due to the proliferation of betting shops and gambling establishments. The city now has at least seven betting shops clustered in the central area, raising concerns about addiction and associated crime.

       Beyond petty crime, violent attacks and harassment are also becoming a serious issue—especially for vulnerable people. Like many UK cities, Canterbury has a growing homeless population. However, many locals believe that the issue isn’t just homelessness but drug addiction and the desperation that comes with it.

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       Retail workers have also been feeling the pressure. Susan Patton, 46, an assistant manager at Boots, said their security guard was threatened by a group of youths who have repeatedly stolen from stores.

       Despite these concerns, Kent Police maintain that overall crime in Canterbury has declined. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 14,387 crimes recorded in the city between June 2023 and June 2024. Across the wider Kent area, crime fell from 173,230 recorded offences in the previous year to 164,945.

       Chief Inspector Paul Stoner, Canterbury’s area commander, acknowledged the challenges but reassured residents that officers were working hard to keep the city safe.

       “My officers have a sustained, regular presence in the city, and we are increasing our community policing team to put more officers on the beat,” he said. “We also run plainclothes operations, which have seen many shoplifters arrested and jailed, while similar efforts are being made to keep women safe in Canterbury’s nightlife scene.”

       While Canterbury’s rich history and status as a tourist hub remain, the city is clearly at a crossroads. Residents and business owners feel crime and disorder are spiralling, while police insist things are improving. For now, Canterbury remains a beautiful but troubled city—one that many hope can reclaim its former reputation before it’s too late.