Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling)

Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling), a Built-Up Area within Tonbridge and Malling, reports an overall crime rate of 67.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a considerably safer community. The area achieves a strong safety score of 83 out of 100, which is well above the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Eccles has experienced an increase of 10.4% in its year-over-year crime rate. This overview provides a clear picture of Eccles's crime statistics, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime categories and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling), 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most prevalent crime category, accounting for a substantial 47.9% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 32.3 per 1,000 residents. 'Anti-social behaviour' follows, making up 19.7% (13.3 per 1,000), with 'Vehicle crime' as the third most common at 9.4% (6.3 per 1,000). The overall property-related crime rate in Eccles is 13.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This includes vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson (5.2 per 1,000), other theft (1.7 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.6 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight that while violence is the leading concern, the risk of property crime is notably low. This creates a generally secure environment, though vigilance for all crime types is always advised.

Crime Trends in Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling)

Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a year-over-year rise of 10.4%. While this indicates an increase, it's important to note it comes from a relatively low base. A review of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people shows fluctuations. Rates varied from a low of 1.2 in December 2024 to a high of 10.4 in May 2025. October 2024 (8.7) and July 2025 (9.2) also showed higher figures, while November 2024 (2.9) and September 2025 (2.9) were among the lowest. This pattern suggests that while there has been an increase, crime levels remain well below the national average. For residents, this trend indicates that while vigilance is always important, Eccles continues to be a very safe area with a low incidence of crime.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) demonstrates varying patterns across different times of the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), vehicle crime is the most significant at 45%, followed by theft at 23%. No recorded burglary. This period often correlates with commuter movements. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft increase to 35%, with vehicle crime at 22%. Again, no recorded burglary. This reflects unattended properties. During the evening (6pm-12am), vehicle crime remains high at 43%, while theft drops to 9%. This shift often corresponds with socialising. Finally, night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a significant spike in vehicle crime (73%), indicating opportunistic offences when areas are quietest and properties are most vulnerable to offenders.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling)'s crime rate of 67.5 per 1,000 people positions it as a very safe area within the region. When compared to its neighbours, Eccles often stands out for its lower crime figures. Burham, Aylesford, and Forstal, being smaller or more rural settlements, would likely exhibit similar or even lower crime rates, reflecting their quieter characteristics. Kit's Coty, another nearby settlement, might show a slightly different crime rate depending on its local amenities and activity. This comparison helps residents understand Eccles's strong position within the regional safety landscape, highlighting its generally more favourable crime rate compared to many of its neighbours, offering context for local safety considerations.

Protecting Your Home and Property

With a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly below the national average, Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) residents still benefit from robust home security measures. The emphasis should be on proactive crime prevention, rather than merely documenting incidents after they occur. Many conventional security cameras, such as Ring or Nest, primarily capture footage of a burglary, documenting the event rather than actively stopping it. Similarly, basic DIY alarm systems often provide alerts after an intrusion has occurred, meaning the crime is already in progress.

For enhanced protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a transformative solution. scOS is engineered to prevent crime by detecting threats at your property boundary, intervening before an intruder can gain entry. It utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property simultaneously, eliminating blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous responses, including activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS creates an immediate deterrent, destroying the element of surprise that burglars depend on. This professional-grade security makes your property a less appealing target, intervening within the critical 60-second window where most burglars decide whether to proceed.