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NDTV
24-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Killer Whales Trapped In Abandoned French Marine Park 4 Months After Closure
It's been more than four months since Marineland, a marine park in southern France, announced its closure, but two killer whales and a dozen dolphins are still stranded there. TideBreakers, an animal advocacy group, recently released distressing aerial footage of orcas - Wikie, 23, and her son Keijo, 11 - swimming aimlessly in the abandoned Marineland Antibes near Cannes, France. Activists rushed to relocate the abandoned creatures after they were left in what they described as "dangerous" and "despairing" conditions, The Standard reported. "The mother and son are still trapped there, waiting for their fate in collapsing tanks," TideBreakers wrote, sharing the video on May 11. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TideBreakers (@wearetidebreakers) Approximately 45 kilometres west of Monaco on the French Riviera's southern coastal town of Antibes, the park houses 12 abandoned dolphins in the algae-infested, deteriorating tanks. According to Marketa Schusterova, co-founder of TideBreakers, the emergency in Marineland Antibes needs to be addressed globally. 'These are the last two remaining orcas in France in captivity and should be moved quickly,' Schusterova said, South West News Service reported. He added that the orcas must be taken out of conditions that endanger their health and well-being. Wikie and Keijo would not be able to survive in the wild because they were both born in confinement, he said. Marineland Antibes shut down on January 5 per the French 2021 law, which prohibited performances involving cetaceans, like dolphins and whales, to entertain the public. The two orcas and 12 dolphins were trapped in their kennels. Following the shutdown, the park administration has been frantically trying to locate the creatures, particularly the killer whales. Although it is no longer a zoo, the management of the facility is still responsible for the animals' welfare, and a small team is in charge of keeping them alive until they are placed in a new home. Despite the dire situation, French officials have rejected alternative proposals, such as a marine zoo in Japan, and have not yet found a suitable location for the orcas in Europe. A plea to move the whales to a sanctuary in Tenerife, Spain, was turned down because the facility currently houses four orcas, including a newborn, BBC reported. After rejecting a zoo in Japan, the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) in Nova Scotia is a possible destination for the mother-son duo. For now, a skeleton staff is feeding them, but critics caution that this provides little cerebral enrichment—an essential component for highly intelligent animals like orcas.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I had the dream husband for 4 years but one day something clicked & I realised I was a lesbian – my life was a lie
This follows actress Anna Camp being seen kissing her girlfriend Jade Whipkey for the first time LIVING A LIE I had the dream husband for 4 years but one day something clicked & I realised I was a lesbian – my life was a lie Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has revealed how she left her "dream" husband, house and career behind when she realised she was gay and found new love - just like Pitch Perfect's Anna Camp. Lauren Burgess, 39, thought she had the perfect life until stress led her to therapy which led her to realise she was a lesbian. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Lauren Burgess was married to husband Matt for four years Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 10 Lauren left her 'dream husband' in 2021, but later met her now-partner Anna Sartoris in 2023 and fell in love Credit: SWNS 10 Pitch Perfect's Anna Camp's relationship with Jade Whipkey is her first public relationship with a woman 10 Anna most notable relationship was with Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin Credit: Getty - Contributor In February 2021 she took the plunge and left her husband, Matt, 42, after four years of marriage to travel the West coast of America in a van with her dog, Ted, a Goldendoodle. The business and wealth strategist from Joshua Tree, California, met Amanda Sartoris, 35, a strength and conditioning coach from Venice, through a mutual friend in January 2023, and fell in love. Lauren remains on good terms with her ex-husband, Matt, 42, a financial consultant from Englewood, Colorado - but is focusing on her new life with her girlfriend. Pitch Perfect actress Anna Camp was seen passionately kissing her girlfriend Jade Whipkey for the first time since their love affair was revealed, this week. Camp was previously married to her Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin, but they separated in 2019 less than three years after the wedding. "It was so hard, but Matt was supportive and understanding," said Lauren. "It felt very selfish, and I had a lot to grieve. She added: "Matt is an amazing person and I still have a lot of care there for him. "It's been really hard, but I had to follow my dreams." Lauren had thought she was genuinely happy in her life until she came down with chronic hives in April 2018. I always thought I fancied men then became a lesbian at 33 - strangers think my girlfriend's my MUM but it's true love "I would go to bed every night grateful and content," she said. "I had a home and a job I was passionate about, but I worked very long hours which caused me to come in hives. "I was in and out of hospital until my therapist told me I needed to drop something to get better." When Covid hit in March 2020 Lauren found herself becoming depressed. "I could hardly get out of bed," she said. 10 Lauren remains on good terms with her ex-husband Matt but is focusing on her new life with her girlfriend Credit: SWNS 10 She had previously experimented with women in college but thought it was 'just a bit of fun' Credit: SWNS "Matt and I started having marriage therapy and we discussed travelling. "But all of a sudden he changed his mind and had the confidence to tell me that it wasn't what he wanted." Lauren decided that it was something she still wanted to pursue, and she bought a van on Craigslist to travel 'for a couple of weeks'. She had "experimented" with women in college but thought it was "just a bit of fun." "I'd been seeing a lot of people of social media taking about their sexuality and I began to realise that I might be bisexual," she said. "But on the trip it all clicked and I realised I was definitely gay. "It all made sense. "I knew I had to go back to my husband and talk about getting a divorce." 10 The couple met in California and ended up meeting up for coffee Credit: SWNS Lauren separated from Matt in February 2021 and took her belongings and went travelling along the West Coast of America ending up in Joshua Tree, California. She met Amanda in Venice Beach, California. "We had both just recently moved to Venice," Lauren explained. "We ended up meeting for coffee and kept running into each other and eventually just ended up hitting things off and spent every moment we could out surfing and eventually fell in love." 10 Lauren says she and Amanda are prioritising their careers - but they have talked about having kids Credit: SWNS 10 Lauren thought she might be bisexual but has discovered she is a lesbian Credit: SWNS After a year, the couple traveled down through Baja Mexico in a van, until the heat forced them to head back. Lauren returned to Joshua Tree and Amanda to Venice, but they've made their long-distance relationship work through compromise. "We spend part of our time up here, part of our time down in Venice, surfing, working, that whole thing," she said. Lauren and Matt "stay in touch and co-parent" their dog, Ted. As for children, Lauren says she and Amanda are prioritising their careers - but they have talked about it. She said: "We've definitely talked about starting a family in the future and growing a family life by the beach." She added: "I thought I was living the life of my dreams before but now I really am." 10 The two women make their long-distance relationship work through compromise Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I had the dream husband for 4 years but one day something clicked & I realised I was a lesbian – my life was a lie
A WOMAN has revealed how she left her "dream" husband, house and career behind when she realised she was gay and found new love - just like Pitch Perfect's Anna Camp. Lauren Burgess, 39, thought she had the perfect life until stress led her to therapy which led her to realise she was a lesbian. 10 Lauren Burgess was married to husband Matt for four years Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 10 Lauren left her 'dream husband' in 2021, but later met her now-partner Anna Sartoris in 2023 and fell in love Credit: SWNS 10 Pitch Perfect's Anna Camp's relationship with Jade Whipkey is her first public relationship with a woman 10 Anna most notable relationship was with Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin Credit: Getty - Contributor In February 2021 she took the plunge and left her husband, Matt, 42, after four years of marriage to travel the West coast of America in a van with her dog, Ted, a Goldendoodle. The business and wealth strategist from Joshua Tree, California , met Amanda Sartoris, 35, a strength and conditioning coach from Venice, through a mutual friend in January 2023, and fell in love. Lauren remains on good terms with her ex-husband, Matt, 42, a financial consultant from Englewood, Colorado - but is focusing on her new life with her girlfriend. Pitch Perfect actress Anna Camp was seen passionately kissing her girlfriend Jade Whipkey for the first time since their love affair was revealed, this week. More on relationships Camp was previously married to her Pitch Perfect co-star Skylar Astin, but they separated in 2019 less than three years after the wedding. "It was so hard, but Matt was supportive and understanding," said Lauren. "It felt very selfish, and I had a lot to grieve. She added: "Matt is an amazing person and I still have a lot of care there for him. Most read in Fabulous "It's been really hard, but I had to follow my dreams." Lauren had thought she was genuinely happy in her life until she came down with chronic hives in April 2018. I always thought I fancied men then became a lesbian at 33 - strangers think my girlfriend's my MUM but it's true love "I would go to bed every night grateful and content," she said. "I had a home and a job I was passionate about, but I worked very long hours which caused me to come in hives. "I was in and out of hospital until my therapist told me I needed to drop something to get better." When Covid hit in March 2020 Lauren found herself becoming depressed. "I could hardly get out of bed," she said. 10 Lauren remains on good terms with her ex-husband Matt but is focusing on her new life with her girlfriend Credit: SWNS 10 She had previously experimented with women in college but thought it was 'just a bit of fun' Credit: SWNS "Matt and I started having marriage therapy and we discussed travelling. "But all of a sudden he changed his mind and had the confidence to tell me that it wasn't what he wanted." Lauren decided that it was something she still wanted to pursue, and she bought a van on Craigslist to travel 'for a couple of weeks'. She had "experimented" with women in college but thought it was "just a bit of fun." "I'd been seeing a lot of people of social media taking about their sexuality and I began to realise that I might be bisexual," she said. "But on the trip it all clicked and I realised I was definitely gay. "It all made sense. "I knew I had to go back to my husband and talk about getting a divorce ." 10 The couple met in California and ended up meeting up for coffee Credit: SWNS Lauren separated from Matt in February 2021 and took her belongings and went travelling along the West Coast of America ending up in Joshua Tree, California . She met Amanda in Venice Beach, California. "We had both just recently moved to Venice," Lauren explained. "We ended up meeting for coffee and kept running into each other and eventually just ended up hitting things off and spent every moment we could out surfing and eventually fell in love." 10 Lauren says she and Amanda are prioritising their careers - but they have talked about having kids Credit: SWNS 10 Lauren thought she might be bisexual but has discovered she is a lesbian Credit: SWNS After a year, the couple traveled down through Baja Mexico in a van, until the heat forced them to head back. Lauren returned to Joshua Tree and Amanda to Venice, but they've made their long-distance relationship work through compromise. "We spend part of our time up here, part of our time down in Venice, surfing, working, that whole thing," she said. Lauren and Matt "stay in touch and co-parent" their dog, Ted. As for children, Lauren says she and Amanda are prioritising their careers - but they have talked about it. She said: "We've definitely talked about starting a family in the future and growing a family life by the beach." She added: "I thought I was living the life of my dreams before but now I really am." 10 The two women make their long-distance relationship work through compromise Credit: SWNS Top dating trends of 2025 Swamping: When you find someone you can comfortably share your 'swamp' with and let go of the pressure to be anything but your true authentic self. No-habiting: When you choose to wait longer to move in with your partner because you value your personal space. Fiscal Attraction: When you won't settle for less and you're seeking a match who is financially secure and who you find attractive. Rejuve-dating: When you cast away the blues and grow from past experiences so you can fully embrace the future of your dating journey. Thrift-matised: When you like to go on dates but hit that sweet spot between being cheap and frugal. Hidden gems, loyalty cards - these are all your type on paper. Loud-dating: Cutting to the chase, being open and to the point with what you want so you don't waste your time. Marmalading: When you literally put your other half 'before anything else', much like Britain's most beloved bear's love for marmalade. Digital Ex-pression: The stage after a break-up when you are done grieving and turn to social media to share how you are healing to confidently get back out on the dating scene. Fine-wining: Proactively finding people to date who are older than you and who've aged just like a fine wine.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
We're selling up & leaving our once quaint town after topless yob's high street rampage turned it into a WARZONE
THE crazed rampage of a shirtless yob has left a town centre reeling as CCTV footage shows the moment he smashed the windows of eight businesses with a fire extinguisher. Police put a stop to the carnage after chasing down and arresting the vandal, but not before he caused thousands of pounds of damage and left the area looking like a "warzone". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The shirtless yob was seen smashing windows on King Street, Maidstone, Kent, on May 11 Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 7 He could be seen storming through the street, armed with a fire extinguisher Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 7 CCTV caught the youngster smashing a window Credit: SWNS:South West News Service The attack occurred in Maidstone, Kent on Sunday evening around 8pm and has left residents and businesses owners frustrated and shaken, with some saying this is typical of life in the town. Longtime residents have told the Sun that this was not the first incident of its kind they have seen, and that the area as whole has gone drastically "downhill" in recent years. Some are even considering moving away from the town, with parents of young children concerned for their family's safety. In the video, the maniac is seen bashing the windows of The Mall Maidstone shopping centre, several estate agents, and Kokoro and Real Eating Company restaurants. The topless man began his rampage at the nearby Sainsbury's where it is speculated he acquired a fire extinguisher which he used to cause "extensive damage" to the store, with police being called around 7.45pm. After just 2 minutes the police arrived on the scene and proceeded to chase the man down the highstreet. A police spokesperson said: "Within minutes, officers were at the scene where it is alleged the fire extinguisher was thrown at them and damaged a police vehicle. "After a short pursuit, the 23-year-old man was detained and taken into custody." Laruen Ahmed works behind the counter at Kokoro, a Japanese restaurant which has just reopened after having its windows smashed in on Sunday. Lauren said she is used to the incidents and drama that come with living and working in Maidstone. 'That's Maidstone, it's normal' she said wearily, 'normally all the shops in town are smashed up, there are lot of problems with drunk people and people on drugs around here.' Having lived in London before moving to the Kentish town six years ago, Lauren insisted that the attack has not phased her, even though she admitted she had never seen an incident as violent as the one on Sunday. Metals factory vandalised over ties to arms firms She said: 'We get drunk people coming in and we have to deal with it, but this was the worst.' The 33-year-old mum said she left London to find somewhere safer for her kids to grow up, but she now plans to move again and leave Maidstone, which she finds can be just as dangerous as her previous home. Lauren's manager at Kokoro told the Sun he and his team have been badly shaken, and that the financial hit to the restaurant has made his job more difficult. Page & Wells estate agents was also hit in the attack, with windows that should be advertising properties to passersby now almost completely boarded up. David Page, of Page & Wells, said: 'There was glass everywhere - absolutely everywhere. 'One of the staff knew from social media. It's just a complete hassle for us. Every window is smashed. The door is smashed. Some of our interior illuminated fixtures are damaged. It's huge." Alex Knight, part owner of the Knight Edmonds estate agents which was also badly hit, said that the damage his storefront had sustained will run into the thousands of pounds. Speaking to the Sun, Alex said: 'I was at home with the kids, a message came through on the team WhatsApp saying someone had been on a rampage. 'It's really sad to see some of the other businesses hit having to close because of this, a couple of the restaurants had only just opened, we're just fortunate we have enough to cover this.' 7 The vandal smashed in windows of the Kokoro restaurant on Maidstone high street, along with seven other businesses Credit: SWNS 7 The suspect was bundled into the back of a police van after he was chased down the high street smashing windows Credit: SWNS 7 The real estate agent's Page and Wells has had to board up its windows following the attack on Sunday Credit: SWNS The 35-year-old company director said the repair costs have had to come out of the company coffers, as claiming on the insurance may have worked out more expensive in the long run. Alex emphasised the knock-on effect that this kind of damage has, with all the money spent on new windows delaying the business taking on more staff or expanding its advertising. He did, however, joke that the attack was a boon for window fitters, with one tradesman turning up to the scene of carnage first thing in the morning to hand out business cards. Veronica Ivanova sells fashion, accessories and children's products at Claires, just next door to Real Eating which was badly damaged by the attack and is still closed for trading while repairs are made. Veronica said the shop was lucky not to be hit in the manic rampage at the weekend, but that she has nevertheless seen her fair share of alarming incidents since moving to Maidstone. The 32-year-old has lived in the town for three years and is concerned that the levels of anti-social behaviour and crime are getting out of control, claiming that the area has gone downhill drastically in the last year or two. She told the Sun: 'Before it was a much more quiet town, we didn't have a lot of incidents, but now these things happen so often. Everyday something happens in the street.' Veronica claimed that the issue of shoplifting was rampant on the high street, with her shop – which sells mainly children's toys and dress-up accessories – now losing hundreds of pounds a month to theft. She said: 'They don't even care about CCTV, its miraculous. Most of the time its kids doing it, but they even do it when they are out with their family, it's crazy. If you say something they're like 'oh no, we didn't do anything'.' Veronica pointed to a plush soft toy of the Disney cartoon character Stitch as the item most popular with thieves in the shop. 'He's £35', she said gesturing to the toy, 'I guess that's too much for these kids, they go for him and the expensive sunglasses, earrings, every single place is struggling with that at the moment.' It is store policy to not approach or confront shoplifters, but Veronica said that this often leads to a complete lack of action to prevent the crime. When asked why she believes that life in the town is getting worse, Veronica puts the change down to an influx of new residents who are causing most of the crime and disorder. The population of Maidstone has increased by more than double the national average for England since 2011, the fourth largest jump in population for a council in the Southeast, according to ONS data. Maidstone resident Jacqui Steel, who sells perfume in The Mall Maidstone, said: 'The people who have moved away and come back say 'oh my God, what has happened to Maidstone'. 'Half the shops are empty, the town has really gone downhill in the last few years.' Jacqui, 55, grew up in the area and remembers it being a far safer, more welcoming place than in its current state. She told the Sun: 'You feel a bit intimidated in some places in Maidstone nowadays, which you never did back then. 'It's the big groups of the same sex on the street that just make you feel uncomfortable.' Although she feels safe from shoplifters in the small, enclosed perfume store, Jacqui said she often hears from others in the shopping centre who are less lucky. 'They give it a go in here, but we are generally pretty safe', she explained, 'but we listen to it on the security radio and places like Matalan, Iceland, Greggs, they get hit the worst.' Jacqui and her colleague in the shop also complained that despite the mounting issues facing the town, prices were still 'mega expensive', making many residents consider moving elsewhere. Local resident Frank Holsgrove said that despite previously living in Lewisham and Bexley he had 'never seen as much trouble in those places as what happens in Maidstone'. The 35-year-old, who has lived in the town for the last 12 years, said: 'I've seen more trouble and more stuff happening in Maidstone than anywhere else. 'I didn't have it in Bexley where I lived, I didn't have it in Southeast London, even in Middlesbrough while I was at university for three years, I have never seen so much trouble.' Frank told the Sun that during lockdown a murder took place just across the road from his house, and he remembers the police shutting down the town centre after a stabbing at a rap concert around the same time. He said: 'I couldn't tell you why it's always Maidstone, whether it's society's fault or just a case of a lot of people on drugs really. 'I think Maidstone has been trying to do its bit to sort the problems, but I don't think it's the kind of thing that is ever gonna stop, it might get worse.' The Mall Maidstone's Centre Manager, Andrew Sarbutt, said regarding the incident on Sunday: 'Police attended an incident in Maidstone town centre on Sunday evening, and we are supporting them with their investigation. We are also working at pace to support our retailers to report any damage caused as a result of this incident and endeavour to provide uninterrupted access to The Mall.'
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
We're selling up & leaving our once quaint town after topless yob's high street rampage turned it into a WARZONE
THE crazed rampage of a shirtless yob has left a town centre reeling as CCTV footage shows the moment he smashed the windows of eight businesses with a fire extinguisher. Police put a stop to the carnage after chasing down and arresting the vandal, but not before he caused thousands of pounds of damage and left the area looking like a "warzone". 7 The shirtless yob was seen smashing windows on King Street, Maidstone, Kent, on May 11 Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 7 He could be seen storming through the street, armed with a fire extinguisher Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 7 CCTV caught the youngster smashing a window Credit: SWNS:South West News Service The attack occurred in Maidstone, Kent on Sunday evening around 8pm and has left residents and businesses owners frustrated and shaken, with some saying this is typical of life in the town. Longtime residents have told the Sun that this was not the first incident of its kind they have seen, and that the area as whole has gone drastically "downhill" in recent years. Some are even considering moving away from the town, with parents of young children concerned for their family's safety. In the video, the maniac is seen bashing the windows of The Mall Maidstone shopping centre, several estate agents, and Kokoro and Real Eating Company restaurants. Read more in UK news The topless man began his rampage at the nearby Sainsbury's where it is speculated he acquired a fire extinguisher which he used to cause "extensive damage" to the store, with police being called around 7.45pm. After just 2 minutes the police arrived on the scene and proceeded to chase the man down the highstreet. A police spokesperson said: "Within minutes, officers were at the scene where it is alleged the fire extinguisher was thrown at them and damaged a police vehicle. "After a short pursuit, the 23-year-old man was detained and taken into custody." Most read in The Sun Laruen Ahmed works behind the counter at Kokoro, a Japanese restaurant which has just reopened after having its windows smashed in on Sunday. Lauren said she is used to the incidents and drama that come with living and working in Maidstone. 'That's Maidstone, it's normal' she said wearily, 'normally all the shops in town are smashed up, there are lot of problems with drunk people and people on drugs around here.' Having lived in London before moving to the Kentish town six years ago, Lauren insisted that the attack has not phased her, even though she admitted she had never seen an incident as violent as the one on Sunday. Metals factory vandalised over ties to arms firms She said: 'We get drunk people coming in and we have to deal with it, but this was the worst.' The 33-year-old mum said she left London to find somewhere safer for her kids to grow up, but she now plans to move again and leave Maidstone, which she finds can be just as dangerous as her previous home. Lauren's manager at Kokoro told the Sun he and his team have been badly shaken, and that the financial hit to the restaurant has made his job more difficult. Page & Wells estate agents was also hit in the attack, with windows that should be advertising properties to passersby now almost completely boarded up. David Page, of Page & Wells, said: 'There was glass everywhere - absolutely everywhere. 'One of the staff knew from social media. It's just a complete hassle for us. Every window is smashed. The door is smashed. Some of our interior illuminated fixtures are damaged. It's huge." Alex Knight, part owner of the Knight Edmonds estate agents which was also badly hit, said that the damage his storefront had sustained will run into the thousands of pounds. Speaking to the Sun, Alex said: 'I was at home with the kids, a message came through on the team WhatsApp saying someone had been on a rampage. 'It's really sad to see some of the other businesses hit having to close because of this, a couple of the restaurants had only just opened, we're just fortunate we have enough to cover this.' 7 The vandal smashed in windows of the Kokoro restaurant on Maidstone high street, along with seven other businesses Credit: SWNS 7 The suspect was bundled into the back of a police van after he was chased down the high street smashing windows Credit: SWNS 7 The real estate agent's Page and Wells has had to board up its windows following the attack on Sunday Credit: SWNS The 35-year-old company director said the repair costs have had to come out of the company coffers, as claiming on the insurance may have worked out more expensive in the long run. Alex emphasised the knock-on effect that this kind of damage has, with all the money spent on new windows delaying the business taking on more staff or expanding its advertising. He did, however, joke that the attack was a boon for window fitters, with one tradesman turning up to the scene of carnage first thing in the morning to hand out business cards. Veronica Ivanova sells fashion, accessories and children's products at Claires, just next door to Real Eating which was badly damaged by the attack and is still closed for trading while repairs are made. Veronica said the shop was lucky not to be hit in the manic rampage at the weekend, but that she has nevertheless seen her fair share of alarming incidents since moving to Maidstone. The 32-year-old has lived in the town for three years and is concerned that the levels of anti-social behaviour and crime are getting out of control, claiming that the area has gone downhill drastically in the last year or two. She told the Sun: 'Before it was a much more quiet town, we didn't have a lot of incidents, but now these things happen so often. Everyday something happens in the street.' Veronica claimed that the issue of shoplifting was rampant on the high street, with her shop – which sells mainly children's toys and dress-up accessories – now losing hundreds of pounds a month to theft. She said: 'They don't even care about CCTV, its miraculous. Most of the time its kids doing it, but they even do it when they are out with their family, it's crazy. If you say something they're like 'oh no, we didn't do anything'.' Veronica pointed to a plush soft toy of the Disney cartoon character Stitch as the item most popular with thieves in the shop. 'He's £35', she said gesturing to the toy, 'I guess that's too much for these kids, they go for him and the expensive sunglasses, earrings, every single place is struggling with that at the moment.' It is store policy to not approach or confront shoplifters, but Veronica said that this often leads to a complete lack of action to prevent the crime. When asked why she believes that life in the town is getting worse, Veronica puts the change down to an influx of new residents who are causing most of the crime and disorder. The population of Maidstone has increased by more than double the national average for England since 2011, the fourth largest jump in population for a council in the Southeast, according to ONS data. Maidstone resident Jacqui Steel, who sells perfume in The Mall Maidstone, said: 'The people who have moved away and come back say 'oh my God, what has happened to Maidstone'. 'Half the shops are empty, the town has really gone downhill in the last few years.' Jacqui, 55, grew up in the area and remembers it being a far safer, more welcoming place than in its current state. She told the Sun: 'You feel a bit intimidated in some places in Maidstone nowadays, which you never did back then. 'It's the big groups of the same sex on the street that just make you feel uncomfortable.' Although she feels safe from shoplifters in the small, enclosed perfume store, Jacqui said she often hears from others in the shopping centre who are less lucky. 'They give it a go in here, but we are generally pretty safe', she explained, 'but we listen to it on the security radio and places like Matalan, Iceland, Greggs, they get hit the worst.' Jacqui and her colleague in the shop also complained that despite the mounting issues facing the town, prices were still 'mega expensive', making many residents consider moving elsewhere. Local resident Frank Holsgrove said that despite previously living in Lewisham and Bexley he had 'never seen as much trouble in those places as what happens in Maidstone'. The 35-year-old, who has lived in the town for the last 12 years, said: 'I've seen more trouble and more stuff happening in Maidstone than anywhere else. 'I didn't have it in Bexley where I lived, I didn't have it in Southeast London, even in Middlesbrough while I was at university for three years, I have never seen so much trouble.' Frank told the Sun that during lockdown a murder took place just across the road from his house, and he remembers the police shutting down the town centre after a stabbing at a rap concert around the same time. He said: 'I couldn't tell you why it's always Maidstone, whether it's society's fault or just a case of a lot of people on drugs really. 'I think Maidstone has been trying to do its bit to sort the problems, but I don't think it's the kind of thing that is ever gonna stop, it might get worse.' The Mall Maidstone's Centre Manager, Andrew Sarbutt, said regarding the incident on Sunday: 'Police attended an incident in Maidstone town centre on Sunday evening, and we are supporting them with their investigation. We are also working at pace to support our retailers to report any damage caused as a result of this incident and endeavour to provide uninterrupted access to The Mall.' 7 The attack left residents shaken Credit: SWNS
