Rural Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate

Rural Tonbridge and Malling is a secure and highly regarded part of Kent with an overall crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to the area's strong safety score of 89/100. While the latest data from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates an 8.7% increase in total crime compared to the previous year, this reflects a small rise in actual incidents from a very low baseline. The rural area remains a safe environment where serious criminal activity is rare. For residents, the statistics confirm that Rural Tonbridge and Malling offers a high level of security, far superior to many larger urban settlements in the region and consistent with the best national benchmarks.

Crime in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

Rural Tonbridge and Malling has a crime profile that is significantly lower than the national average, with an overall rate of 53.5 per 1,000 residents. The top three crime types are violence and sexual offences (27.7%), anti-social behaviour (19.5%), and criminal damage and arson (13.7%). These figures are typical for a rural local authority area, where most reported issues are less frequent than in urban centres.

Property crime in Rural Tonbridge and Malling occurs at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 32.3. This includes 61 other thefts, 45 vehicle crimes, and 21 burglaries. The data shows that theft is most common during the day, accounting for over 50% of afternoon crimes. Vehicle crime is a significant risk overnight, representing 47% of all recorded offences between 12am and 6am. Burglary risk is also present and peaks in the afternoon and overnight. For residents, the statistics suggest that while the rural area is generally safe, protecting personal property and vehicles from opportunistic theft—especially in more isolated locations—is a key priority.

Crime Trends in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

Rural Tonbridge and Malling's crime trend is currently showing an 8.7% increase in total offences over the last year. While this percentage indicates a rise, it is important to contextualise it within the area's relatively low overall crime volume. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents ranging from 3.0 to 5.8.

The year saw a peak in July 2025 with a rate of 5.8, followed by a relatively stable period through the summer and autumn. By November, the rate had fallen to 3.1, which is one of the lowest points in the year. This downward trend in the latter half of the year is a positive sign that the earlier increase was temporary. For residents, the overall message is that Rural Tonbridge and Malling remains a safe environment, with crime levels that are still far below national averages despite the recent statistical increase. The consistency of low rates toward the end of the year is highly reassuring.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Tonbridge and Malling, though the actual number of incidents is low. As in any community, staying aware of your surroundings is the best form of personal safety.

When out in the area, particularly during the evening when anti-social behaviour and "other" crimes are more likely to occur, try to stick to well-lit routes. Criminal damage and arson is the third most common issue, so ensuring your property boundaries are well-defined and lit can be a good deterrent. For homeowners, the data shows that theft is most frequent in the morning and afternoon, accounting for 47% and 55% of crimes in those periods respectively. This suggests you should keep sheds, garages, and gates locked even during the day. Additionally, vehicle crime and burglary are most prevalent at night, representing 47% and 13% of night-time offences respectively. Ensuring your car is securely parked and your home security is active before dusk will help you stay safe in this generally low-crime rural area. Joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can also help you stay informed about any recent trends.

Crime Timing in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

The timing of criminal activity in Rural Tonbridge and Malling follows a clear pattern linked to property offences. Theft-related crimes are most common during the daylight hours, making up 47% of morning crimes and 55% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is the primary concern when the area is most active.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), theft drops to 21%, while "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, rise to 47%. This makes the evening the most active time for general disturbances and vandalism. Overnight (12am - 6am), the overall crime volume is at its lowest, but the risk to property remains significant. Vehicle crime accounts for 47% of night-time incidents, and burglary reaches its daily peak at 13%. These statistics indicate that while the area is generally quiet at night, unattended property and vehicles are at their most vulnerable. Residents are advised to ensure all security measures, particularly for vehicles and home entry points, are fully engaged before the evening begins. This is especially important for more isolated rural properties.

Rural Tonbridge and Malling occupies an exceptionally safe position within the Kentish countryside. Its crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 people makes it significantly more secure than the more urbanised parts of the local authority. For those considering the region, the rural area offers a more peaceful and stable environment than larger nearby towns. It remains one of the premier choices for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community and very low levels of reported crime. The area's safety profile is superior to both regional and national averages, offering a high degree of personal and property security for its residents.

Home Security in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

Rural Tonbridge and Malling's property crime rate stands at 22.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average. However, the data reveals specific vulnerabilities: theft is a particular concern during the day, while vehicle crime and burglary are most prevalent overnight. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In a rural area like this, where properties may be more isolated, proactive protection is the most effective way to safeguard your home and vehicles.

The scOS AI-powered security system is specifically designed for proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land. Instead of just recording—which does not stop a thief—scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating lights or audible warnings, to deter a potential offender before they reach your home or vehicle. This is particularly valuable given the high percentage of daytime theft and overnight vehicle crime in the area. A professional scOS installation signals to any would-be offender that the risk is too high, ensuring your property remains part of Rural Tonbridge and Malling's positive safety statistics.