Tenterden Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw Tenterden maintain a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents, 30.6% below the UK average of 7.2. This reflects a safer environment compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 47.2% of all crimes, a significant share that remains 8% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The area's crime profile highlights a mix of local and national dynamics, with shoplifting (13.9% of total crimes) standing out as a notable category.7 per 1,000 is 43% above the UK average. This contrast underscores the unique character of Tenterden as a built-up area within Ashford, where retail activity may drive shoplifting despite broader safety trends. The month's crime picture also shows a marked shift in violent crime patterns, with 17 incidents reported—nearly half of all crimes—suggesting that community-focused initiatives or local policing efforts may be contributing to this balance. Seasonal context plays a clear role, as Christmas shopping peaks and extended evenings likely increase opportunities for theft and public order offences, though the overall rate remains lower than national benchmarks. This combination of factors illustrates how local conditions interact with broader UK crime trends, creating a distinct profile for Tenterden.

December 2023 brought notable shifts in Tenterden's crime profile, with three categories seeing significant changes. Vehicle crime rose by 100% compared to November, increasing from one to two incidents—a jump that may reflect seasonal vehicle usage patterns or targeted criminal activity. Similarly, public order offences doubled from zero to two cases, potentially linked to increased social gatherings during the festive period. Theft from the person also saw a 100% increase, rising from zero to one incident, which could be attributed to higher foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 54.5%, declining from 11 to five cases—a drop that may indicate effective policing or seasonal retail strategies. Other theft also decreased by 50%, from four to two cases, while anti-social behaviour fell by 25%, from four to three incidents. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Tenterden, with shoplifting remaining a persistent concern at 0.7 per 1,000 residents, 43% above the UK average. Meanwhile, violent crime—though still the most common category—remains 8% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives may be helping to mitigate risks. For residents, the 54.5% reduction in shoplifting offers a concrete example of how targeted efforts can yield measurable results.

Tenterden's crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in December 2023 represents an 18.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.1, underscoring a continuing downward trend. This decline is particularly striking when compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, placing Tenterden firmly in the safer half of the country's crime profile. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in December—a figure that, while not insignificant, reflects a low level of criminal activity relative to the population. Over the course of the month, this translates to one reported crime for every 201 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. When considering the population context, Tenterden's 7,226 residents mean that each individual faces a crime risk that is significantly below the national average. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it provides a tangible measure of safety that can inform community planning and policing strategies. The comparison also highlights the importance of localized data: while national averages provide a useful benchmark, they do not capture the nuanced variations that exist in smaller, built-up areas like Tenterden. The area's ability to maintain a crime rate below the UK average despite seasonal pressures—such as increased retail activity and darker evenings—suggests that local factors, including community engagement or effective policing, may be playing a role in sustaining this trend.