Tenterden Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Tenterden's crime rate for January 2026 stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.4% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This modest but consistent gap suggests the area maintains a slightly safer profile than the national picture, a trend that may reflect the town's character as a relatively low-density built-up area with limited commercial and nightlife activity. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.7% of all incidents (13 crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.2%) and criminal damage and arson (12.8%). These figures align with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday month marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may contribute to lower rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime typically associated with busier periods. However, the prominence of violent crime—slightly below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000—raises questions about local factors, such as community dynamics or seasonal stressors, that may influence interpersonal conflict during colder months. The relative absence of burglary (only 1 incident) and the low rate of theft from the person (0.6 per 1,000) further underscore the area's distinct profile compared to larger urban centres where such crimes are more common. These patterns appear consistent with Tenterden's status as a small, rural-adjacent settlement where community ties and limited public spaces may temper certain types of criminal activity.

January 2026 saw stark fluctuations in specific crime categories, with public order offences surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and drugs-related crimes doubling (from 1 to 3). These increases contrast sharply with the 50% drop in burglary (from 2 to 1) and the 50% reduction in other theft (from 4 to 2), suggesting shifting priorities or pressures within the community. The spike in public order offences may be linked to the post-holiday period, when transient populations or disrupted routines could contribute to tensions. Meanwhile, the 40% increase in anti-social behaviour above the UK average (0.9 per 1,000) highlights a local challenge that warrants attention, particularly given the absence of major nightlife or commercial hubs typically associated with such incidents. Conversely, the 67% rise in criminal damage and arson (0.5 per 1,000 UK average) could be connected to seasonal factors such as colder weather increasing the likelihood of property-related disputes or vandalism. The rate of violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000) was 28% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the area's demographic profile or effective local interventions. Residents may find the 28% reduction in violent crime particularly reassuring, though the increase in anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggests ongoing vigilance is required.

Tenterden's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 6.7% from the previous month's 6.1 per 1,000, though it remains below the UK average. This monthly increase translates to roughly 2 crimes per day on average, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than abstract statistics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 154 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not negligible, is lower than many comparable towns. The population context—7,226 residents—means that each incident carries a more pronounced impact on local communities compared to larger cities, where individual crimes are diluted across more people. The contrast with the UK average is particularly notable in categories such as anti-social behaviour (40% above the national rate) and criminal damage (67% above), which may indicate unique local pressures or challenges. However, the area's performance in reducing violent crime and burglary compared to the UK average suggests that certain community or policing strategies could be contributing to this relative safety. These figures, when viewed alongside the month-on-month changes, illustrate a community navigating seasonal fluctuations while maintaining a broadly stable crime environment.