Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 136,853, Tonbridge and Malling recorded 771 crimes in October 2024, equating to 5.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure is 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, marking the area as one of the safer places in the country. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 37.2% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and criminal damage and arson (12.5%). The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the transition to British Summer Time, and Halloween—likely influenced these patterns. The increase in violence and sexual offences, though significant, remains 21% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as community policing, public lighting, or demographic characteristics may contribute to this resilience. Anti-social behaviour, another major category, was 46% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's quieter, more suburban environment compared to densely populated urban centres. The crime rate for property-related offences, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, also remains below national averages, with shoplifting down 31% and vehicle crime 15% below the UK benchmark. These figures illustrate an area where crime is generally lower than the national average but not immune to seasonal fluctuations or specific local challenges.

October 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, most theft from the person, which rose by 200% from 1 to 3 incidents. This dramatic jump, though still a small number, underscores the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces. Bicycle theft also surged by 75%, potentially linked to increased cycling during the autumn months or seasonal events. In contrast, robbery fell by 83.3%, from 6 to 1 incident, a decline that may reflect improved community awareness or targeted policing efforts. The violence and sexual offences category, now accounting for 37.2% of all crimes, rose by 43.5% month-on-month, a trend that, while still 21% below the UK average, warrants attention. This increase aligns with October's darker evenings and Halloween, which may contribute to higher incidents of such crimes. The area's property crime rate, however, remains below UK averages, with shoplifting down 31% and vehicle crime 15% below the national figure. These contrasts highlight a combination of local conditions and broader national trends.

Tonbridge and Malling's crime rate rose by 19.0% in October 2024 compared to the previous month, moving from 4.7 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This translates to 25 crimes reported daily on average, a figure that highlights the pace at which incidents occur in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 178 residents, illustrating the frequency of crime within the local population. When compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, the area remains significantly safer, with a 30.9% gap. However, this increase from September raises questions about emerging patterns. The population context—136,853 residents—means that while the rate is low, the absolute number of crimes still represents a tangible presence in daily life. The shift in crime types, particularly the rise in violence and sexual offences, may reflect seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween-related activity, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this. The area's mix of urban and rural characteristics likely plays a role in shaping these dynamics, with higher foot traffic in towns and quieter rural pockets contributing to differing crime profiles.