Rural Tonbridge and Malling Crime Rate

Rural Tonbridge and Malling is a safe area, recording an overall crime rate of 54.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its high safety score of 88/100. Recent data from January to December 2025 indicates that crime is on an increasing trend, with an 8.8% rise year-over-year. Property crime in Rural Tonbridge and Malling is recorded at 22.4 per 1,000, which is also well below the national average of 32.2. For the 9,314 residents, these statistics confirm that the rural parts of the district remain secure, though the recent increase in reported incidents suggests that maintaining this high standard requires continued community awareness and proactive security.

Rural Tonbridge and Malling's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 29.0% of all reported incidents (147 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the next most frequent at 18.9%, followed by criminal damage and arson and 'other theft', both at 12.6%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—Rural Tonbridge and Malling has a rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within the property crime category, 'other theft' is the most common at 12.6%, with vehicle crime at 9.5% and burglary at 4.7%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a relatively safe environment, but the high proportion of criminal damage and theft suggests that property security remains a key concern. The variety of theft-related crimes highlights the need for consistent vigilance across residential areas in the rural district.

Crime in Rural Tonbridge and Malling is on an upward trend, with an 8.8% increase in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows a volatile pattern; the crime rate peaked in July at 5.8 per 1,000 people, with another smaller peak in August (5.6) and December (5.7). The lowest rate was recorded in February at 3.0 per 1,000. While the percentage increase seems high, it is important to note that it comes from a relatively low baseline of criminal activity. However, the fluctuations throughout the year, especially the peaks in the summer and winter months, suggest that residents should remain vigilant and consider enhancing their home security to counteract this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Tonbridge and Malling

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Rural Tonbridge and Malling. To stay safe, residents should be mindful when walking in less populated areas, particularly during the evening. Stick to well-lit main thoroughfares and avoid shortcuts through unlit paths or wooded areas after dark.

Anti-social behaviour is the next most common issue, often reported in the evenings. Staying connected with local community groups can help in addressing these concerns effectively. Property crime is another area for vigilance; with 'other theft' being a common property-related issue, ensure that personal items are not left unattended in public spaces. Vehicle crime is a particular risk at night, when it accounts for 45% of all incidents. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, and that no valuables are left inside. During the afternoon, when theft rates are higher (54% of incidents), double-check that all ground-floor windows and doors are secure, even if you are at home, as opportunistic thieves often look for easy entry points during these hours.

Rural Tonbridge and Malling's crime patterns show distinct shifts in risk throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are a primary concern, accounting for 48% of reports as local activity begins. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences rise to 54% of all incidents. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a significant change, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, dominating the statistics at 46%. At night (12am-6am), while the total number of crimes is lower, the risk to vehicles increases dramatically, with vehicle crime making up 45% of all reports during these hours. These patterns suggest that property and retail security are most critical during the day, while vehicle protection is the priority overnight.

In comparison to nearby urban areas, Rural Tonbridge and Malling's crime rate of 54.4 per 1,000 people highlights it as a secure residential choice. It is safer than Snodland (90.3) and West Malling (95.5). While it is more active than some smaller rural settlements, Rural Tonbridge and Malling offers a balanced environment with a safety record that far outperforms the national average. For those seeking a safe, community-focused rural area in Kent, Rural Tonbridge and Malling remains a top-tier choice for residential safety, despite the recent upward trend in reported crime.

With a property crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000, Rural Tonbridge and Malling is a safe area. However, the prevalence of theft and criminal damage suggests that even in secure rural areas, opportunistic incidents can occur. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record an event as it happens. For homeowners in Rural Tonbridge and Malling who want to maintain their safety, scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Instead of just sending a notification after a visitor has reached your door, scOS can distinguish between a known family member and a potential threat. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and speakers, stopping a burglar before they even attempt entry. In an area where vehicle crime spikes at night—accounting for 45% of night-time incidents—having an AI system that provides active deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a hard target.