Tonbridge Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Tonbridge's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 20.3% below the UK average of 6.4. This represents a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime rates for the area. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.5% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.5%) and shoplifting (15.5%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for the same categories, where violence and sexual offences are 40% below the national rate, but anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are 32% and 38% above, respectively. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity, which may partly explain lower rates of property crime compared to busier seasons. However, the local context—Tonbridge’s mix of residential and retail areas—likely contributes to the prominence of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The area’s crime profile reflects a balance between community-focused policing efforts and the challenges of managing public spaces in a commuter-oriented town. While overall rates remain below the UK average, the disparity in specific crime types highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where local dynamics diverge from national trends.

February 2026 marked a dramatic shift in public order offences, which surged by 250% compared to January, rising from four to 14 incidents. This increase, though significant, remains below the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000, suggesting local factors may be at play. Simultaneously, other crime categories showed contrasting trends: vehicle crime fell by 92.3% (from 13 to 1), and burglary decreased by 80% (from 10 to 2). These declines align with Tonbridge’s historically low rates for vehicle-related offences, which are 100% below the UK average. The rise in public order offences may reflect the challenges of managing community spaces during the winter months, when social interactions in public areas intensify. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 38% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to Tonbridge’s retail presence and the pre-spring lull in consumer activity. Residents may find the 100% decrease in bicycle theft particularly noteworthy, as this category was 100% below the UK average, indicating effective local initiatives or reduced outdoor activity during the colder months.

Tonbridge’s crime rate in February 2026 fell to 5.1 per 1,000, a 25.3% drop from January’s rate of 6.9. This decline underscores a broader trend of decreasing crime in the area, though the pace of reduction has slowed compared to previous months. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly seven crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the impact of local policing strategies and community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 195 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Tonbridge among the safer built-up areas in the UK. With a population of 39,009, the area’s relatively low crime density suggests a combination of effective resource allocation and the physical characteristics of the town, which includes a mix of residential and commercial zones. However, the disparity between Tonbridge’s rates and the UK average for specific categories—such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—highlights the need for tailored approaches to address local challenges. These comparisons provide residents with a clearer understanding of their safety context, while also identifying areas where national trends may not fully align with local realities.