Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, is grappling with a persistent crime wave, and residents are living amidst the chaos. From machetes being brandished in the street to drug deals and cannabis farms flourishing under the radar, this town’s High Street tells a troubling story of anti-social behaviour. But as local police crack down with closure orders, the big question remains: can things really change?
A house once notorious for anti-social behaviour now stands eerily silent, windows boarded up after Lincolnshire Police issued a closure order. The street, normally bustling with activity, feels haunted, as CCTV cameras track the movements of anyone who dares walk through the area.
As I make my way down High Street in Gainsborough Town South, an array of surveillance cameras follows us. The town is constantly being watched. When I attempt to speak with a man leaving his home, he hesitates and asks me to ensure his anonymity, making it clear just how uneasy life is here.
“There’s been machetes, shots through windows, crack deals and cannabis farms,” he explains with a shrug. “Gainsborough is what it is.” When asked if the closure order on a nearby house would put an end to anti-social behaviour, he chuckles, clearly unconvinced. “It’ll stop the anti-social behaviour in that house,” he says, but the larger issues persist.
The closure order, the 10th in Gainsborough in the past 18 months, is part of a broader effort by local authorities to tackle the crime that has plagued the area for years. Police, the local council, and private letting companies have collaborated to ensure that residents are safe, and that tenants responsible for criminal activity are evicted.
Insp Michael Head, standing beside me on the street, reflects on the situation: “We’ve historically had a problem with underreporting here. But public confidence is growing. We’re getting more reports, and all of the closure orders so far have successfully led to evictions.”
Despite the police’s efforts, the statistics paint a grim picture. In 2024, there was an average of one report per day of anti-social behaviour in South Gainsborough. One month saw 49 separate reports.
As we continue our walk through the area, a utility worker, equipped with a bodycam, warns us about a drug deal happening just a few streets down. A laminated sign warns residents against fly-tipping, while a truck works to clear up rubbish that blocks the path.
Venturing towards a bridge with no lights, all of which have been smashed, we meet another local resident. She glances around, ensuring no one is watching, before she opens up about the reality of life in Gainsborough. “Some months, you’ll get people smashing windows, fighting, drug dealers, and people smoking weed,” she shares. “But for me, this is normal. I’ve lived here all my life.”
For those new to the area, though, the situation can be overwhelming. “If you’re not used to it, you’re going to feel scared,” she admits.
But not all residents have accepted the status quo. Jo Swan, who runs Swan Sales & Lettings in the area, is determined to improve things. She has been working with police to make sure tenants are safe, including assisting in the closure order process for the troubled property nearby.
“I could’ve had a street party when the order went through,” Jo recalls, smiling. “I’m down here every day making sure my tenants are safe, and they are. It’s much better now.”
Jo believes that with the right people, any neighbourhood can be turned around. “If you just move good tenants into an area, a bad area will improve,” she says confidently. “Then, children can play safely in the streets.”
When asked if she’s hopeful, Jo’s response is swift and certain: “Absolutely. I want to make this a good place to live, a place people can be proud of. These streets can change.”
As the community rallies together and the authorities step up their efforts, the question remains: can Gainsborough truly overcome its dark reputation, or will the cycle of crime continue? Only time will tell.
