Tunbridge Wells has a crime rate of 65.1 per 1,000 residents. Explore detailed crime statistics, safety advice, and compare crime rates with nearby areas. Understand the challenges and stay informed.
Based on population of 119,694 over 12 months
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Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.
| Overall Crime Rate | 66.5 per 1,000 people |
|---|---|
| Property Crime Rate | 22.8 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Crime Rate | 91.6 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Property Crime Rate | 32.2 per 1,000 people |
| Safety Score | 85 out of 100 |
| Population | 119,694 |
| Trend | decreasing |
| Comparison | significantly lower than UK average |
| Crime Type | Total Count | Per 1,000 People | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 2,827 | 23.6 | 36% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,448 | 12.1 | 18% |
| Shoplifting | 818 | 6.8 | 10% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 738 | 6.2 | 9% |
| Other theft | 558 | 4.7 | 7% |
| Public order | 414 | 3.5 | 5% |
| Vehicle crime | 267 | 2.2 | 3% |
| Burglary | 255 | 2.1 | 3% |
| Drugs | 240 | 2 | 3% |
| Other crime | 209 | 1.8 | 3% |
| Possession of weapons | 82 | 0.7 | 1% |
| Robbery | 38 | 0.3 | 0% |
| Bicycle theft | 37 | 0.3 | 0% |
| Theft from the person | 25 | 0.2 | 0% |
Tunbridge Wells, a historic market town in Kent, recorded a crime rate of 65.1 per 1,000 residents over the past 12 months. This figure places it slightly above the national average, prompting concern among residents. This report provides a detailed analysis of crime statistics, identifies prevalent crime types, and offers practical safety advice for those living and visiting Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (79).
Tunbridge Wells is a desirable residential area with a mix of Victorian architecture and modern developments. Its popularity contributes to a higher population density in certain areas, potentially impacting crime rates. The town’s thriving retail sector and vibrant nightlife also present unique challenges for local law enforcement. Understanding these factors is crucial when analyzing the town’s crime landscape and implementing effective preventative measures.
Tunbridge Wells has a 27.4% lower crime rate than the UK average.
The most common crimes reported in Tunbridge Wells include shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime. Violence and sexual offences also contribute significantly to the overall crime statistics. While burglary rates are relatively low compared to some areas, they remain a concern for residents. A closer examination of these crime types reveals patterns and potential causes, allowing for targeted interventions and community engagement to improve overall safety.
Crime rates in Tunbridge Wells have shown a slight increase over the past year, particularly concerning vehicle crime and shoplifting. Seasonal fluctuations are also noticeable, with a rise in incidents during the holiday season due to increased foot traffic and opportunities for opportunistic crime. Analysis of monthly crime data reveals peaks and troughs that can be linked to specific events and local conditions. Ongoing monitoring of these trends is crucial for adapting policing strategies and maintaining public safety.
Compared to nearby areas, Tunbridge Wells’ crime rate is slightly higher than those of Rother and Tonbridge and Malling, but lower than Maidstone and Ashford. These differences reflect varying population densities, socio-economic factors, and local policing strategies. Examining the crime rates of surrounding areas provides valuable context and informs comparative analysis of safety and security.
Protecting your home and belongings in Tunbridge Wells requires a layered approach. Consider installing security cameras and alarms, ensuring proper lighting around your property, and participating in neighbourhood watch programs. For businesses, robust security measures such as CCTV and staff training are essential. Furthermore, maintaining open communication with local police and reporting any suspicious activity can significantly contribute to crime prevention.
Residents of Tunbridge Wells are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas and during evening hours. Secure your vehicles properly, report suspicious activity to the police, and consider joining local neighbourhood watch schemes. Homeowners should ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security systems. Community engagement and proactive crime prevention measures are vital in creating a safer environment for all.
Common questions about crime and safety in Tunbridge Wells
While specific scam data for Tunbridge Wells is unavailable, residents should be aware of common UK scams like phishing, investment fraud, and impersonation. The area has a lower than average crime rate, but vigilance remains important.
The community plays a vital role in maintaining safety in Tunbridge Wells. With a lower crime rate (66.5 per 1,000) and a high safety score (85/100), local involvement is key to sustaining this positive trend.
Based on available data, Tunbridge Wells has a lower crime rate (66.5 per 1,000) than the UK average (91.6 per 1,000) and a good safety score of 85/100. Identifying specific hotspots requires more detailed localised data.
The police force in Tunbridge Wells works to reduce crime through visible policing, targeted crime prevention initiatives, and community engagement. With a crime rate of 66.5 per 1,000 and a safety score of 85/100, Tunbridge Wells is relatively safe.
Tunbridge Wells town centre is generally considered safer than average, with a crime rate of 66.5 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 91.6. However, it's important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly regarding violent crime incidents at 24.6 per 1,000.
Businesses in Tunbridge Wells can improve security by focusing on property crime prevention. With a crime rate of 66.5 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000, prioritising measures like CCTV and staff training is vital.
To report a crime in Tunbridge Wells, you can do so online via the Kent Police website, by calling 101 for non-emergencies, or by visiting your local police station. Dial 999 in emergency situations.
Based on current data, Tunbridge Wells appears to be a relatively safe place to raise a family. Its crime rate (66.5 per 1,000) is lower than the UK average (91.6 per 1,000), and it has a good safety score of 85/100.
Specific police response time data for Tunbridge Wells is not publicly available. However, the area has a lower crime rate (66.5 per 1,000) and a high safety score (85/100) compared to the UK average.
While specific neighbourhoods aren't detailed, Tunbridge Wells has a lower crime rate (66.5 per 1,000) than the UK average (91.6) and a good safety score of 85/100.
The long-term crime trends in Tunbridge Wells show a decreasing trend. The current crime rate is 66.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than the UK average, and has decreased by 8.8% year-on-year.
Victims of crime in Tunbridge Wells can access support through national charities like Victim Support, local council initiatives, and specialist organisations. While Tunbridge Wells has a lower crime rate (66.5/1000) than the UK average, support is available to all.
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Official government data sources for Tunbridge Wells
We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.
Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.
Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000
We exclusively use official UK government information sources:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Page updated: 5 February 2026 — covering Jan 2025 - Dec 2025
New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month
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