‘We welcome millions of visitors a year – everyone should feel safe’

Blackpool Council and residents have hit back after the town was labelled Britain’s violent crime capital, where “one in 20 people” have been affected in the past year alone.

Local supporters say the resort is a welcoming place for visitors and residents alike, despite suggestions from some statistics which paint Blackpool as violently unsafe.

An article in GB News said the town – Britain’s biggest holiday resort – had emerged as the UK’s most violent where, according to the latest police statistics, there were approximately 69 offences per 1,000 inhabitants during 2025.

It said that around one in every 20 residents experienced violent crime over the 12-month period and the town had now overtaken Middlesbrough and was ahead of Westminster in London.

But police have offered safety reassurances after the town was held up as a dangerous spot and Blackpool Council said it was working effectively with the police to tackle violent crime.

And residents who have moved to the resort from other areas say they have never regretted moving to the resort, named recently as the third best place to live in the UK.

David Mowbray, who moved from Oldham 15 months ago, said: “I’ve seen articles and blogs knocking Blackpool and I can’t understand it.

“All towns have their problems but Blackpool has so much to offer for residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, neighbourhoods and street scene, said: “Incident rates in Blackpool are higher per capita, due in part to the millions of visitors we welcome to our town of 141,000 residents every year.

“We want everyone – residents and visitors alike – to feel safe and have confidence in our town. This weekend there were thousands of families in Blackpool enjoying a safe, affordable break, and most locals are proud to live here.

“We’re working really hard with partners across police, health, housing and the third sector to tackle issues that lead to violent crimes being committed. We enjoy a very strong partnership with Lancashire Police, who are responsible for tackling crime in Blackpool.

“Our new Community Safety Plan (CSP) prioritises preventing, detecting and disrupting violent crime and anti-social behaviour. It includes measures ranging from early intervention work or diversion programmes for vulnerable or high-risk groups, as well as improved lighting and CCTV across our town centre.

“Our previous CSPs have proven effective already, delivering results in reducing anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, and we are committed to building on that further.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We remain committed to disrupting and preventing crime across Lancashire, including in Blackpool.

“We want to reassure anyone with concerns that we have dedicated teams across the town, covering a number of different aspects of policing, including community engagement, immediate response, and detectives.

“These officers will continue to conduct their duties and police Blackpool with the intent of keeping residents safe and reducing crime.”