Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells, a historic market town in Kent with a blend of urban and rural characteristics, recorded a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in June 2023, 18.8% below the UK average. This figure positions the area as one of the safer local authority districts in England, though the stability in the monthly rate suggests no immediate shift in the broader crime profile. The breakdown of crimes reveals a distinct pattern, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 37.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.9% and criminal damage and arson at 9.8%. These figures align with the town’s profile as a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas, where public spaces and high streets may contribute to the prevalence of certain offences. The seasonal context of June, marking the beginning of the summer tourist season, may influence crime patterns, with increased foot traffic driving shoplifting and public order incidents. However, the town’s overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, indicating effective policing or community initiatives that have sustained this disparity. Violent crimes in Tunbridge Wells are 11% below the UK average, a trend that may be supported by the town’s relatively lower population density and strong local infrastructure. Meanwhile, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime are also below the national average, suggesting that security measures in residential and commercial areas are likely contributing to this outcome. The data also highlights areas for further consideration, such as the slight increase in criminal damage and arson, which is 9% above the UK average. This could be linked to the town’s historic buildings and the potential for vandalism in areas with significant heritage sites. The overall picture, while stable, underscores the need for continued vigilance in addressing specific crime types that deviate from the national norm.

June 2023 saw a 300% increase in possession of weapons, with reported cases rising from 2 to 8. This jump, though small in absolute terms, may signal a shift in local dynamics or heightened awareness leading to more reports. Shoplifting also rose by 37.3%, with 70 incidents recorded, potentially linked to increased foot traffic during the start of the summer season. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 50%, from 4 to 2 cases, which could reflect improved security measures or reduced opportunities in high-traffic areas. Violence and sexual offences, making up 37.9% of all crimes, remained 11% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be influenced by the town’s relatively low population density and strong community engagement. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, at 16.9% of total crimes, was 19% below the UK average, suggesting effective local initiatives in managing public conduct.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate in June 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, with no significant change from the 6.9 crimes per 1,000 residents recorded in May. This consistency suggests a steady state in local policing efforts or community factors influencing crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 28 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the town’s population density and the distribution of reported incidents across its urban and rural zones. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the exposure of the population to crime. When compared to the UK average, Tunbridge Wells’ rate remains lower, but the stability in the monthly figure highlights the importance of maintaining current strategies to prevent any upward trend. The population context further illustrates that while individual incidents may seem isolated, they collectively shape the town’s crime profile in relation to national benchmarks.