Tenterden Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Tenterden's crime profile in March 2023 reveals a combination of local dynamics and national trends. The overall crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents places the area 13.2% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a position consistent with its character as a largely rural built-up area within Ashford. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 52.1% of all reported incidents, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (28% above). This concentration of violent crime may partly explain the area's lower-than-average property crime rates, with shoplifting (12.5%) and criminal damage (8.3%) forming the next most common categories. Seasonal factors likely contributed to these patterns, as the transition to spring and lengthening evenings may have influenced social activity levels and visibility in public spaces. The area's relatively low burglary and vehicle crime rates (0.1 and 0.3 per 1,000 respectively) align with the characteristics of a smaller, less densely populated built-up area where community presence and local policing may play a role in deterrence. While the crime rate remains below the national average, the disproportionate prevalence of violent crime highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with higher concentrations of at-risk populations or social tensions.

March 2023 saw a stark divergence in crime patterns compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences (3.5 per 1,000) recording a 28% above-average rate. This category's dominance—comprising over half of all reported crimes—contrasts sharply with the UK's 28% lower violent crime rate. Meanwhile, shoplifting emerged as a notable concern, with Tenterden's rate (0.8 per 1,000) 63% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This could be linked to the area's retail presence, though the relatively low overall property crime rate (14 incidents) suggests that broader deterrence measures may be effective. Conversely, public order offences (0.4 per 1,000) were 38% below the UK average, as were anti-social behaviour incidents (62% below) and vehicle crime (38% below). These lower rates may reflect the area's smaller population and limited nightlife infrastructure, which could reduce opportunities for such crimes. Residents should note that while the overall crime rate is reassuringly low, the elevated rate of violent crime necessitates continued attention to local safety initiatives.

In March 2023, Tenterden recorded 48 crimes across its population of 7,226 residents, translating to roughly 2 crimes per day—a rate significantly lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 151 residents, a monthly exposure figure that highlights the area's relatively safe environment. This context is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it underscores the effectiveness of policing strategies and community engagement in a built-up area with limited urban density. The daily crime count of 2 incidents per day is well below the national average, which typically sees higher volumes in larger urban centres. When scaled to the local population, the 1-in-151 resident monthly exposure rate illustrates that most residents experience no direct contact with crime, a pattern consistent with the area's rural character. This contrast with the UK average—where crime rates are higher in densely populated regions—reinforces the importance of localized factors such as community cohesion and targeted policing in maintaining safety. The data suggests that Tenterden's built-up area, while not immune to violent crime, benefits from a crime profile that is markedly less severe than the national average.