Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 136,853, Tonbridge and Malling recorded 771 crimes in October 2024, translating to 5.6 crimes per 1,000 residents — 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate reflects a consistently lower-than-average crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and criminal damage and arson (12.5%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with the national trend, where property crime typically outpaces violence. October’s darker evenings and Halloween may have contributed to a 43.5% month-on-month increase in violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour, which was 46% below the UK average, may be linked to the area’s relatively low population density and community-focused policing strategies. The spike in criminal damage and arson (19% above the UK average) could reflect targeted vandalism during the month, though no direct link to local events is confirmed. These patterns suggest a combination of environmental, demographic, and seasonal factors shaping the area’s crime profile.

October saw a 200% surge in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 3 incidents — a stark anomaly in an otherwise stable crime environment. Bicycle theft also jumped 75%, from 4 to 7, potentially tied to increased seasonal cycling activity or targeted thefts during Halloween. Violence and sexual offences rose 43.5% compared to September, with 287 reported cases — 21% below the UK average but a significant shift for the area. Meanwhile, robbery fell 83.3% (from 6 to 1), and burglary dropped 16% (from 25 to 21), indicating possible improvements in residential security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained 46% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s lower population density and community engagement initiatives. However, criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000) were 19% above the UK average, suggesting localized issues that warrant further analysis.

Tonbridge and Malling’s crime rate in October (5.6 per 1,000) marked a 19.0% increase from September’s 4.7 per 1,000, translating to roughly 25 crimes per day — a figure that, while notable, remains well below the UK average. For context, this means one reported crime occurred for every 178 residents over the course of the month — a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the national average. The population-scaled perspective highlights the area’s relative safety: with 136,853 residents, the 771 crimes equate to 0.56 crimes per person, a figure that underscores the effectiveness of local policing in mitigating crime. The daily crime count, while a useful metric for residents, must be contextualized against the area’s demographic profile — a mix of suburban and rural communities that may experience different crime dynamics compared to densely populated urban centres. These figures suggest that while October saw a slight uptick in overall crime, the area remains far from the national average in terms of safety and security.