Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells’ crime profile in November 2024 reveals a nuanced balance between property and violent offences, with property crimes slightly outpacing violent ones for the first time this year. The overall crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents places the area 26.3% below the UK average of 7.6, a consistent trend that reflects broader safety initiatives or demographic factors. The breakdown of crimes shows that violence and sexual offences (216 cases, 32.3% of total) remain the most prevalent category, though they are 30% below the UK average. This could indicate a lower prevalence of interpersonal conflicts or effective local interventions. Property crimes, particularly shoplifting (102 cases, 15.3% of total), rose sharply, potentially tied to seasonal factors like Black Friday. Anti-social behaviour (88 cases, 13.2%) and criminal damage (69 cases, 10.3%) also contributed to the property crime category, suggesting ongoing challenges in community engagement and public space management. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night and the start of the festive shopping period—likely influenced these patterns, with shoplifting and public order offences showing sensitivity to economic and social rhythms. While the area’s overall safety remains strong, the increase in shoplifting highlights a specific vulnerability that may require targeted measures, such as enhanced retail security or public awareness campaigns.

November 2024 saw a stark shift in crime dynamics, with property crimes outpacing violent offences for the first time this year. Shoplifting incidents rose sharply by 54.5% to 102 cases, a jump that may be linked to Black Friday shopping activity and the early start of the festive season. This category also exceeded the UK average by 30%, highlighting a local vulnerability in retail environments. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 12.6% to 216 cases, a decline that contrasts with the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (30% below). The decrease in violent crime could reflect seasonal factors, such as shorter evenings and reduced socialising in public spaces. Robbery incidents surged by 66.7% (3 to 5), a troubling rise that may indicate targeted opportunism. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 14.3% (28 to 24), due to reduced traffic during the holiday season. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local events and crime patterns.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate in November 2024 rose slightly to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, a 3.3% increase from the previous month’s 5.4. This translates to approximately 22 crimes reported daily, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the scale of exposure within the population. When compared to the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, Tunbridge Wells remains significantly safer, with its rate 26.3% below the national benchmark. This contrast is particularly notable in categories like violence and sexual offences, which are 30% below the UK average, suggesting broader safety trends in the area. However, the local increase in shoplifting (+54.5%) indicates a seasonal fluctuation that warrants attention, potentially linked to Black Friday shopping activity. The daily crime count, while steady, offers a tangible measure for residents to gauge local safety in real time.