Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells’ July 2024 crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents places it 21.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of factors tied to the area’s character as a commuter town with a mix of urban and semi-rural environments. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences (34.8% of total crimes), a rate of 2.3 per 1,000 that is 19% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 16.3% (1.1 per 1,000), 24% below the national figure. These patterns may align with Tunbridge Wells’ role as a hub for retail and services, where public spaces see frequent foot traffic, potentially contributing to both violence and disorder incidents. Seasonal context also plays a role: July’s peak summer tourism, festivals, and school holidays likely increased public activity in town centres and parks, which could explain the 12.2% share of shoplifting crimes (0.8 per 1,000) despite this category being 18% above the UK average. The lower-than-national rates for vehicle crime (13% below) and burglary (35% below) suggest that the area’s infrastructure—such as secure parking and residential layouts—may deter these offences. While the overall rate remains low, the prominence of violence and sexual offences highlights the need for targeted interventions in public spaces during high-traffic periods.

July 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with theft from the person rising by 75% (4 to 7 incidents) and vehicle crime surging by 57.6% (33 to 52). These increases may be linked to the area’s summer tourism peak, which brings more transient visitors to retail and entertainment zones, potentially heightening opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, burglary fell by 35.5% (31 to 20), reflecting heightened community vigilance or the effectiveness of local anti-burglary measures such as improved street lighting. The category of possession of weapons also rose by 60% (5 to 8), a figure that is 43% above the UK average. This anomaly may be tied to increased alcohol consumption during festivals or events, though no direct causal link can be confirmed without further data. Meanwhile, shoplifting—accounting for 12.2% of total crimes—remained 18% above the UK average, a discrepancy that could reflect Tunbridge Wells’ retail density compared to other areas. For residents, the most immediate concern may be the 75% increase in theft from the person, which underscores the importance of personal security measures during crowded summer events.

In July 2024, Tunbridge Wells’ crime rate rose by 3.9% compared to the previous month’s 6.3 per 1,000, indicating a slight upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 25 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 152 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable urban areas. When viewed through the lens of population, the 119,694 residents of Tunbridge Wells collectively faced a crime environment that is 21.4% safer than the national average. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like public order offences, which were 53% below the UK average (0.3 vs 0.6 per 1,000). Such figures suggest that the area’s community-focused policing strategies and the relative stability of its demographic profile—characterised by a mix of long-term residents and transient workers—may contribute to its lower crime rates. However, the 18% above-average shoplifting rate and the 43% above-average weapons possession figures highlight areas where local conditions, such as retail density or event-driven foot traffic, may diverge from the national norm.