Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Tonbridge and Malling, 5.1 crimes were reported in September 2025 — 31.1% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This rate translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 197 residents, a figure that contextualises risk in everyday terms. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences (34.5% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.0%) and criminal damage and arson (10.9%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a commuter-oriented district with a mix of residential and retail zones, where seasonal transitions like back-to-school and university freshers may influence crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences, though below the UK average by 30%, remain the largest single category, likely reflecting the social interactions typical of a town with multiple educational institutions. Anti-social behaviour, also below the UK average by 6%, may be linked to local community engagement efforts. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (34% below UK) and vehicle crime (25% below) suggest effective policing or environmental measures in retail and transport hubs. However, criminal damage and arson (13% above UK) and possession of weapons (43% above UK) indicate areas requiring targeted intervention, connected to seasonal pressures or specific community challenges. As nights draw in and academic terms begin, the balance between property and violent crime may shift further, warranting continued monitoring.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with robbery increasing by 133.3% (3 to 7 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 80% (5 to 9). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during the back-to-school period or localized issues. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 33.8% (80 to 53), likely due to increased foot traffic in retail areas during the autumn term or improved security measures. Bicycle theft also dropped by 66.7% (6 to 2), a significant decrease that could indicate the success of anti-theft initiatives or seasonal inactivity. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mixed picture: while violence and sexual offences remained the largest category (34.5% of total crimes), they were 30% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (21.0% of total crimes) was also 6% below the UK rate, reflecting community-focused policing. However, criminal damage and arson (10.9% of total crimes) were 13% above the UK average, and possession of weapons (1.3% of total crimes) was 43% above, highlighting areas for targeted action. These variations underscore the complexity of local crime dynamics, where factors like seasonal transitions, community engagement, and specific interventions may play a role.

Tonbridge and Malling’s crime rate in September 2025 was 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 9.9% decrease from August’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, aligns with the area’s historical trend of relatively low crime compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 23 crimes per day in September, a figure that contextualises the risk in everyday terms for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 197 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic, while not directly comparable to national figures, illustrates the relative safety of the area. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Tonbridge and Malling’s crime rate is 31.1% below the UK average, a difference that could be attributed to the district’s mix of residential and commuter-oriented environments, where community policing and infrastructure may reduce opportunities for crime. However, the 13% above UK average for criminal damage and arson, and 43% above for possession of weapons, suggest that specific issues require attention. These figures, when considered alongside the daily and monthly exposure rates, provide a nuanced view of local risk, balancing overall safety with targeted challenges that may demand tailored responses.