A seaside town, just an hour from London, has gained notoriety after a TikTok user branded it "one of the most dangerous places in the southeast of England." The controversial remarks were
made by Phil Carr, who didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying, “Most people think the Isle of Sheppey is a prison colony – but it’s far worse than that.”
Carr went on to describe the town as “probably the most dangerous place in the whole of the southeast.” His claims are somewhat backed by recent crime statistics, which show Sheerness ranks as the second most dangerous small town in Kent and among the top ten riskiest areas in the UK. According to reports, 181 crimes were recorded per 1,000 residents last year, resulting in 2,353 incidents in a town with a population of around 13,000.
Further data from the Office for National Statistics reveals Sheerness as one of the most deprived areas in the country. With a high deprivation score of 77.9 out of 100, the town struggles with issues such as low income, poor health, and limited opportunities. One local resident didn’t shy away from harsh criticism, calling Sheerness an “isolated hellhole” and “an industrial eyesore.”
Their blunt advice to anyone considering relocating to Sheerness was clear: “If you’re thinking of moving to this god-forsaken town for any reason, please don’t. Even the pits of Thanet are more attractive,” as reported by the Express.
Locals defend Sheerness despite criticism
Despite the negative portrayal, not everyone agrees with the dismal assessment. Some locals have spoken out in defense of Sheerness, emphasizing its strong sense of community.
Alice, who works at a local funeral directors, told The Mirror that she has no desire to leave. “I would never move off the Island because it’s still massively centred on community. You can always open your door and see someone you know, someone you can talk to, familiar faces,” she explained.
Acknowledging that some parts of any town may be less appealing, Alice insisted that her area is peaceful. Martin, a longtime resident of 30 years, also dismissed the harsh criticism, stating, “It’s basically a large village. The man who said it’s a prison colony is obviously not from here.”
Though Sheerness may have its challenges, defenders point to its enduring sense of local spirit and familiarity. For many residents, that sense of belonging outweighs the town’s flaws. Photo by Penny Mayes, Wikimedia commons.