In the early hours of July 18, The Crown pub was targeted by a gang of youths. All the windows were smashed with hammers and hit so hard that one window’s double glazing was also smashed. The youths were caught on CCTV, but were wearing hoodies so will not easily be identified. However, one of the youths was videoing so if you hear of anyone showing off the video please let Gennette Stevens, The Crown pub landlady, know.
When interviewed Genette said that she just felt sick: “I have been in Rye for fourteen years and have built up the trade at the pub and created a happy, family-friendly place where children are welcome. I live above the pub and was alerted by a neighbour who heard the attack happening and rang my son.
"There has been a spate of vandalism recently at Tilling Green and Valley Park and homes have been targeted and windows smashed. Two cars were torched, too, creating anxiety in the neighbourhood. Also, Mahdi, the Indian restaurant on Cinque Ports Street had its front door smashed.
"We have all worked hard to build up our businesses since the pandemic and it breaks my heart to have to fork out thousands of pounds to replace the window. I love Rye and my regulars and it is a shame that a minority can cause so much damage and unrest.“
The Crown is a 200-year-old listed building and some of the glass in the windows is irreplaceable.
