Eastbourne Struggles Amidst Drug Epidemic: Once-Retirement Haven Now Faces Crime Surge
Eastbourne, a charming seaside town renowned for its golden pier and vast shingle beaches, has seen a troubling transformation. Formerly a favored destination for retired Brits, it now grapples with a surge in drug-related problems and crime. The town’s allure has been tarnished by the intrusion of county lines drug gangs, a growing menace across the UK.
In a recent crackdown, law enforcement managed to incarcerate three key drug dealers for a combined 17-year sentence. These criminals had been flooding East Sussex with crack cocaine and heroin for over a decade, leading to a distressing wave of criminal activity disturbingly close to its picturesque beachfront.
Official data reveals that Eastbourne’s crime rate surpasses the national average by a mere two percent. The town even secured a spot among the ten most dangerous areas within the region composed of 108 villages.
Tommy Powell, a local bartender, bears the scars of a brutal attack he endured while on the job. His horrifying encounter with a customer who later returned to throw a corrosive substance at him left his face severely blistered and with lasting damage to his stem cells. Powell, undaunted by the ordeal, shared that violence has escalated over the years, affecting the community’s safety.
The tranquility that Eastbourne once epitomized now clashes with scenes of chaos. Families attempting to savor the final days of summer contend with vagrants obstructing entrances to beach huts. Nearby, heroin addicts loiter around a dilapidated home, and individuals are spotted consuming alcohol on the streets at dawn. Even worse, a woman lies unconscious in a flower bed.
Patty, a long-time resident, laments the decline of her once-beautiful town. She recalls the past when Eastbourne was hailed as an ideal retirement haven. Now, boarded-up establishments, abandoned houses, and litter are the norm. The increase in violence on the streets compounds the community’s woes.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics highlight the gravity of the situation, with reported crime incidents surging to 9,145 by July 2022. This marked an increase of 738 compared to the previous year, with more than a third involving violence. Knife crime has also seen a disturbing rise this year.
Eastbourne’s struggle extends to the rise of “cuckooing,” where drug gangs exploit vulnerable individuals and co-opt their homes for illegal activities. The perpetrators prey on people grappling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, learning disabilities, or loneliness. The disturbing truth is that even older adults, including grandmothers, have been involved in the drug trade.
Detective Chief Superintendent Till Sanderson, an expert in dismantling major drug networks, emphasizes that coastal towns like Eastbourne are disproportionately affected by county lines operations. The tranquil town’s drug supply landscape has evolved over the years, now encompassing cannabis, powdered cocaine, crack, and heroin.
Efforts to counter this menace involve a mix of tactics, from visible and undercover patrols to phone analysis and closure orders. While challenges persist, law enforcement is committed to minimizing drug-related harm in Eastbourne.
As this picturesque town grapples with its unexpected transformation, there’s a resolute determination to reclaim its former charm and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.