Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Tunbridge Wells reported 731 crimes, equating to 6.1 crimes per 1,000 residents—a rate 18.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. For a population of 119,694, this means roughly one crime is reported for every 164 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.7%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). This pattern aligns with the area’s character as a market town with a historic town centre and a mix of urban and rural environments. The spring season, with increased outdoor activity during Easter, likely contributed to higher incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, violent crime remains a significant concern, with 299 reported cases, though this rate (2.5 per 1,000) is 4% below the UK average. The relatively low levels of property crime, such as burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000), suggest effective community policing or fewer opportunities for such crimes in this area. The data also shows that Tunbridge Wells’ anti-social behaviour rate is 7% below the UK average, possibly reflecting strong local community engagement or successful interventions in recent months.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in anti-social behaviour (+95.7%) and public order offences (+73.1%) compared to March, with 137 and 45 incidents respectively. This surge may be linked to the Easter holiday period and increased foot traffic in the town centre. Violence and sexual offences also rose by 12.0%, reaching 299 cases—a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents, 4% below the UK average. Shoplifting remained stable at 0.5 per 1,000, but this rate is 4% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the town’s retail presence. Conversely, burglary fell by 54.3% to 16 cases, and theft from the person dropped by 50.0% to 2 cases, suggesting possible improvements in security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes. The area’s vehicle crime rate (0.2 per 1,000) is 56% below the UK average, which may be attributed to lower car ownership rates in residential areas or effective traffic management. These shifts highlight a complex mix of factors influencing crime trends, including seasonal activity and local policing efforts.

The crime rate in Tunbridge Wells rose by 10.3% in April 2023 compared to March, increasing from 5.5 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This translates to an average of 24 crimes per day in the area, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 164 residents, a rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This population-scaled perspective underscores the relative safety of Tunbridge Wells compared to other areas in the UK. The drop in burglary and theft from the person, coupled with the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, illustrates a dynamic interplay between different crime types. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the increase in public order offences raises questions about the impact of seasonal events, such as Easter, on community behaviour. For residents, these figures provide a clear snapshot of how crime patterns fluctuate month-to-month, with implications for local policing priorities and community safety initiatives.