Tenterden Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Tenterden's February 2024 crime profile reveals a nuanced mix of offences that highlights both local patterns and broader UK trends. With a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000—9.9% below the UK average of 7.1—the area maintains a safer-than-average position, though specific crime types show marked variations. Violence and sexual offences dominate at 34.8% of all incidents, a figure that is 12% below the UK average for this category. This may reflect local policing priorities or demographic factors, such as the presence of schools or community centres that influence public safety dynamics. Criminal damage and arson, however, stand out as 104% above the UK average, suggesting a possible link to the area's built-up environment or seasonal maintenance challenges during winter months. Shoplifting, at 15.2% of total crimes, also exceeds the UK average by 85%, potentially indicating vulnerabilities in retail security or shifting consumer behaviour during the pre-spring lull. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may partly explain the lower overall crime rate, though spikes in certain categories like 'other crime' (329% above UK average) suggest unmet needs or gaps in local crime prevention strategies. This balance of crime types illustrates an area where traditional concerns like violence coexist with niche issues that require targeted interventions.

February 2024 saw a sharp 133.3% increase in shoplifting, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This jump, which outpaces the UK average by 85%, suggests a possible seasonal shift in retail activity or targeting patterns. Simultaneously, 'other crime' surged by 300%, with four reported incidents—far exceeding the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This category's sudden rise may indicate unreported issues or shifts in police categorisation. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime both dropped significantly, with burglary falling 80% (from 5 to 1) and vehicle crime declining 66.7% (from 3 to 1). These decreases could reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity in winter, or targeted policing efforts in high-risk areas. The balance between property (19) and violent crimes (16) remains closely matched, contrasting with the UK's higher proportion of property crimes. For residents, the 133.3% shoplifting increase offers a concrete example of how specific crime types can fluctuate rapidly.

Tenterden's crime rate in February 2024 (6.4 per 1,000) marks a 14.7% decrease from the previous month's 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 157 residents, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of two reported crimes per day, a figure that aligns with the area's small population of 7,226. This context suggests that while crime remains a concern, its scale is proportionally limited compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective highlights that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is significantly lower than the UK average, reinforcing Tenterden's position as a relatively safe community within Ashford. These figures provide a tangible measure of safety for residents, showing that crime remains infrequent in a setting where local policing and community engagement likely play a role in maintaining order.