A once thriving seaside town that still attracts tourists every summer has been named the most dangerous neighbourhood in the county with locals “giving up” on calling the police.
Skegness in Lincolnshire has long been a family favourite for those looking for a cheap getaway in the UK.
But with crime statistics painting the town in a not so glamorous light, businesses are worried tourists may turn their backs on the town that once won awards.
Skegness has seen more crimes than any other part of Lincolnshire with 2,162 separate offences committed last year.
One offence was committed every 243 minutes in Skegness last year, with violent and sexual offences topping the number of crime reports.
Figures show there were 871 crimes of a violent or sexual nature last year, bringing it to the 60th highest rate in England and Wales.
Skegness also had the highest rates of drug crime and anti-social behaviour in the county, Boston Central and North area had the second highest crime rate, with 312 crimes per 1,000 residents, according to LincolnshireLive.
This included the highest rates of weapons possession offences and robbery. Pelham Bridge and South Common area came next with 290 crimes per 1,000 residents.
One of the worst hit areas is a village three miles away from Skegness. Ingoldmells residents have struggled with reporting crime, with their nearest manned police station being a 10 minute drive away.
This included the highest rates of weapons possession offences and robbery. Pelham Bridge and South Common area came next with 290 crimes per 1,000 residents. In comparison, West End & Westcotes came next on Leicester’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, with 2,990 offences taking place – equal to 216 crimes per 1,000 people living there.
The once sleepy seaside resort seems to have become a target for yobs and travelling criminals. Residents have blamed cuts to police staffing and cheap booze for the violent crime that has taken over the village in recent years.
Tracey Thomas, 56, who works in a cafe nearby, told The Sun: “It is getting worse. There are too many skanks coming here for holidays. It is not local people.
“They pinch a car over in Nottingham and come here to do all sorts because they know they will get away with it because the nearest manned police station is in Skegness.
“You call them about a problem, and by the time they get here, the people involved have gone.”
Lincolnshire Police have been contacted for comment.
