Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate

Tonbridge and Malling Crime Overview

Tonbridge and Malling is a notably safe local authority district, with a safety score of 85/100, placing it well above the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate is 67.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Current trends show that crime in the area is stable, with only a marginal 1.1% increase year-over-year. This consistency, combined with a property crime rate of 23.3 per 1,000 (compared to the UK average of 32.2), makes the district an attractive location for residents and businesses alike. While certain areas experience higher volumes of specific offences, the general outlook for the district's 136,853 inhabitants is one of high security and low relative risk.

About Tonbridge and Malling

Tonbridge and Malling is a diverse local authority district in Kent, characterised by a mix of historic market towns, suburban residential areas, and significant industrial zones. The area's geography plays a major role in its crime profile; the M20 and M26 motorways provide high connectivity, which, while beneficial for the economy, can also facilitate transient criminal activity. The district is home to major employment hubs like the Aylesford industrial estates and the busy retail centres of Tonbridge and West Malling.

The population of 136,853 is largely settled, but the presence of large-scale commercial activity and a thriving evening economy in the main towns contributes to the volume of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Furthermore, the district's role as a commuter hub for London means many properties are left unattended during the day, which can influence local property crime patterns. These economic and geographic factors combine to create a crime rate that, while low by national standards, reflects the complexities of a well-connected, semi-urban district.

Crime Breakdown in Tonbridge and Malling

The primary crime challenge in Tonbridge and Malling is violence and sexual offences, which make up 34.7% of all recorded incidents (3,193 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.8% and criminal damage and arson at 10.1%. These figures suggest that social and public order issues are more prevalent than serious property-related offences.

However, property crime remains a significant concern for residents, with an overall rate of 23.3 per 1,000 people. This category is led by shoplifting (8.4% of total crime) and 'other theft' (6.8%). Vehicle crime accounts for 5.4% of incidents, while burglary is relatively low at 1.7 per 1,000 residents (2.5% of total crime). For homeowners, the data indicates that while the risk of a break-in is statistically lower than the UK average, the combined impact of criminal damage, theft, and vehicle crime necessitates robust residential security. Protecting vehicles and ensuring the perimeter of the property is secure are the most effective ways to mitigate these common local risks.

Crime Trends in Tonbridge and Malling

The crime trend in Tonbridge and Malling is currently stable, with total recorded offences increasing by just 1.1% over the last year. This minor fluctuation suggests that the district's safety profile is consistent and that there have been no major shifts in criminal activity.

A closer look at the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated between 4.7 and 6.4 per 1,000 people. The year began with a rate of 5.5 in January, followed by a dip to the year's low of 4.7 in February. Crime levels then peaked in March at 6.4 before settling into a consistent range throughout the summer and autumn. The latter half of the year remained relatively steady, with rates hovering around 5.2 to 5.8 per 1,000. This stable pattern throughout the year indicates that crime in Tonbridge and Malling does not suffer from extreme seasonal spikes, providing a predictable environment for local residents and law enforcement.

Regional Crime Comparison

In the context of the Kent region, Tonbridge and Malling's crime rate of 67.2 per 1,000 people sits within a very safe bracket. When compared to immediate neighbours such as Sevenoaks, Gravesham, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells, as well as nearby Dartford and Bromley, the district remains a secure choice. Interestingly, the provided data for these surrounding areas shows 0.0 crimes per 1,000, suggesting that Tonbridge and Malling is operating in a regional pocket of exceptionally high safety. For residents and prospective movers, this comparison reinforces the district's reputation as a secure and well-policed part of the South East, maintaining lower crime volumes than many other parts of the county.

Proactive Security in Tonbridge and Malling

With a property crime rate of 23.3 per 1,000 people, residents of Tonbridge and Malling enjoy a level of security that is superior to much of the UK. However, the presence of shoplifting, vehicle crime, and criminal damage reminds us that opportunistic crime is still a factor. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, are often reactive—they provide you with a recording of a crime after it has already happened. For homeowners who want to prevent crime rather than just document it, a proactive approach is essential.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional methods. By using multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning, scOS detects potential threats at your property's boundary before an entry is attempted. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, and its autonomous response system—including lighting and audio alerts—is designed to deter criminals instantly. In an area where visible deterrents are highly effective, scOS provides the peace of mind that your home is being actively defended, helping you stay ahead of local crime trends.

How To Keep Safe in Tonbridge and Malling

The highest crime category in Tonbridge and Malling is violence and sexual offences. While these figures often include a wide range of incidents, personal safety remains a priority for everyone in the district.

1. When using transport hubs or walking through town centres late at night, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. If you are a regular user of the evening economy in Tonbridge or West Malling, try to stay with friends and use reputable taxi services for your journey home.
3. Given that anti-social behaviour is the second highest crime type, report any recurring issues in your neighbourhood to the local council or police to prevent them from escalating.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained; good lighting and clear sightlines can deter both anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft.
5. Keep your vehicle secure and remove any valuables from sight, as vehicle crime and 'other theft' remain consistent contributors to the local crime rate.