Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate

Tonbridge and Malling is characterised by its high safety standards, with a current crime rate of 66.5 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 85/100. The area's crime levels are currently stable, showing a marginal year-over-year decrease of 1.1%. For the 136,853 residents, these figures represent a secure living environment where crime is significantly less common than in many other parts of the United Kingdom. This report delves into the specific crime types and trends to provide a comprehensive overview of the safety landscape in this Kent district.

Tonbridge and Malling is a largely affluent local authority in Kent, characterised by a mix of historic market towns like Tonbridge and West Malling, alongside suburban residential areas and rural villages. Its demographics are relatively stable, with a high proportion of professional commuters who take advantage of the excellent rail links to London. This commuter-belt status means the area sees significant transient populations during peak hours, particularly around its transport hubs.

The district's economic profile is strong, which can sometimes make it a target for property-related offences. Furthermore, the vibrant evening economy in Tonbridge town centre contributes to the statistics for anti-social behaviour and public order. However, the overall population density is moderate, and the absence of large-scale industrial zones helps maintain a generally calm environment. These factors combine to create a crime profile that is lower than the national average, driven more by opportunistic incidents and social friction than by ingrained systemic issues.

In Tonbridge and Malling, violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of reported crime, accounting for 34.5% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (19.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%). These three categories make up over 60% of all incidents in the area, highlighting where local safety efforts are most concentrated.

When examining property crime collectively—which includes burglary, robbery, various thefts, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate stands at 23.1 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting (8.5%) and other theft (6.7%) are the most common property offences, while vehicle crime accounts for 5.5% of the total. For residents, this suggests that while the area is statistically very safe, maintaining vigilance over personal property and vehicles is necessary. The low burglary rate (2.5%) is particularly reassuring for homeowners, indicating that residential break-ins are relatively rare compared to other districts of similar size.

Crime trends in Tonbridge and Malling have remained remarkably stable over the past year. The year-over-year change is a negligible decrease of 1.1%, suggesting that crime levels are consistent. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated between a low of 4.7 in February and a peak of 6.4 in March.

Most months saw rates hovering between 5.1 and 6.1, indicating no major seasonal spikes or sudden increases in criminal activity. This stability is a positive sign for the local community, as it allows for consistent policing strategies and provides residents with a predictable safety environment. The lack of significant growth in any crime category suggests that Tonbridge and Malling continues to be a resilient and secure part of Kent.

Tonbridge and Malling sits in a cluster of safe Kent and London-edge districts. When compared to nearby areas like Sevenoaks, Gravesham, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells, the district's crime rate of 66.5 per 1,000 is part of a generally low-crime regional pocket. While some immediate neighbours show even lower figures in recent reports, Tonbridge and Malling remains a highly desirable and secure location. Its statistics are particularly favourable when compared to more urbanised areas like Dartford or parts of Bromley, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a balance of accessibility and safety in the Southeast.

With a property crime rate of 23.1 per 1,000 people, residents of Tonbridge and Malling live in a relatively low-risk area, but property protection should still be a priority. The main drawback of traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, is their reactive nature. They are designed to record a crime while it is happening or after it has finished, which often leaves homeowners with nothing but footage of a loss.

For those seeking true peace of mind, scOS provides a proactive alternative. This AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property's perimeter 24/7, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and human threats instantly. Instead of just sending a notification to your phone while a break-in is underway, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lighting and audio warnings. This immediate intervention is often enough to make an opportunistic intruder move on, keeping your Tonbridge and Malling home truly secure.

How To Keep Safe in Tonbridge and Malling

The most prevalent crime type in Tonbridge and Malling is violence and sexual offences. While the area is generally very safe, it is wise to take basic precautions to ensure personal security. When walking in Tonbridge town centre or using the rail stations, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are out late, particularly on weekends, planning your journey home in advance and travelling with others where possible is recommended.

To address the second most common issue, anti-social behaviour, residents are encouraged to report any persistent problems to the local council or police to help them allocate resources effectively. For homeowners, installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property can act as a simple but effective deterrent against both ASB and criminal damage. Finally, being part of a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch can provide valuable updates on any specific safety concerns in your immediate neighbourhood.