Hartley Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Hartley, within the Tunbridge Wells district, reveal a crime rate of 54.2 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. However, the data also indicates a concerning upward trend. While Hartley enjoys a higher safety score of 87 out of 100 compared to the UK average of 79, the 7.9% year-on-year increase in crime warrants attention. Understanding the specifics of these statistics is crucial for residents and local authorities to address emerging concerns and maintain a secure community. The data period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 provides a snapshot of the crime landscape.

Hartley’s crime statistics for the period from January 2025 to December 2025 reveal a concerning pattern. The most prevalent crimes involve violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.1% of all recorded incidents (32 crimes). These are followed by ‘other’ crimes (11.8%, 8 crimes), and ‘other’ theft (10.3%, 7 crimes). While anti-social behaviour and criminal damage & arson are present, they represent a smaller proportion of the overall crime picture (8.8% each). Notably, burglary, vehicle crime and drug-related offences are less frequent, though still contribute to the overall crime rate. The variety of offences highlights the multifaceted nature of crime within the neighbourhood and suggests a need for targeted interventions addressing different areas of concern. Understanding these breakdowns is vital for developing effective community safety strategies.

Crime in Hartley has been steadily increasing, with a noticeable rise of 7.9% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 illustrates this trend. While some months, such as February, March, April and May, show periods of lower crime rates, September saw a significant spike. The monthly crime rates peaked at 8.8 per 1,000 residents in September, highlighting a concerning pattern. This upward trajectory underscores the need for proactive crime prevention strategies and increased community vigilance. The data indicates that the issue requires ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent further escalation.

How To Keep Safe in Hartley

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider walking with a companion whenever possible. With 'other' crimes being a significant concern, secure your property by locking doors and windows, even when you're home. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Due to the rise in overall crime, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to minimise the risk of 'other' theft.

The pattern of crimes in Hartley varies throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequent during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), with 15% occurring during this period. The highest proportion of 'other' theft occurs during commercial hours in the afternoon (62%), while vehicle crime is more common overnight (11pm - 6am, 19%). Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Understanding these temporal patterns is crucial for targeted policing and community safety initiatives.

Hartley’s crime rate is significantly lower than several surrounding areas. Cranbrook, for instance, exhibits a considerably higher crime rate of 102.9 per 1,000 residents. Conversely, areas like Coursehorn, Sissinghurst, and Gun Green report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000, demonstrating a stark contrast. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime and underscore the importance of targeted interventions within Hartley to maintain its relative safety compared to other parts of the Tunbridge Wells district.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive solution – recording footage after a burglary has occurred. In Hartley, with a property crime rate of 12.8 per 1,000, having footage is often too late. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach. Its multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors your property boundary, detecting potential threats – such as unusual activity or vehicles with DVLA verification – before they escalate. This pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent; most burglars make decisions within 60 seconds, and the element of surprise – and the perception of professional-grade security – can be enough to make them move on. While DIY systems have their place, scOS represents a significant upgrade in preventative security, especially in areas like Hartley where crime rates are showing an upward trend.