Tenterden Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Tenterden's crime profile in May 2024 reveals a persistent balance between property and violent crime, with property offences (21) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (14). The overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents places the area 31% below the UK average, a trend consistent with its status as a relatively small built-up area within Ashford. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.3% of all crimes, with the rate for this category (1.9 per 1,000) 33% below the UK average. This suggests a lower prevalence of violent incidents than might be expected for a market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. Property crimes, particularly shoplifting (14.3% of total) and vehicle crime (11.9%), exceeded UK averages by 25% and 49% respectively, likely reflecting the area's retail activity and commuter traffic. Seasonal factors such as extended evenings and increased socialising during May's bank holidays may have contributed to the modest rise in violent crime compared to April, though the overall trend remains well below national benchmarks. Anti-social behaviour, at 9.5% of total crimes, was 59% below the UK average, indicating effective local policing or community engagement in managing such incidents. The relatively low rates of burglary (7.1%) and other theft (7.1%) suggest that property crime in Tenterden is more concentrated in specific categories like shoplifting and vehicle-related offences, rather than widespread residential targeting.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+150%), possession of weapons (+100%), and public order offences (+100%), though these remained low in absolute terms. The crime mix shifted with property crimes (21) narrowly outpacing violent crimes (14), a reversal of the previous month's trend. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.9 per 1,000, were 33% below the UK average, suggesting lower levels of violent crime than expected for a built-up area. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime exceeded UK averages by 25% and 49% respectively, potentially linked to the town's retail presence and commuter traffic. Residents may find the 150% spike in vehicle crime particularly relevant, with five incidents reported compared to two in April.

Tenterden's crime rate in May 2024 rose by 4.9% compared to April, moving from 5.5 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, places the area's monthly crime exposure at one reported incident for roughly every 172 residents. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity relative to the town's population of 7,226. While this daily rate is consistent with the area's historical pattern, the slight upward trend may reflect seasonal factors such as extended evenings and increased foot traffic during May's bank holidays. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Tenterden's residents face a crime risk significantly lower than the UK average, with the area's overall rate remaining 31% below the national figure. This contrast underscores the town's comparatively safe environment, even as localised fluctuations occur.