Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2025, Tunbridge Wells recorded 606 crimes across a population of 119,694 residents, translating to a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 people—33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure, while representing a modest increase compared to the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000, remains well within the lower end of national benchmarks for a market town. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violent offences, which accounted for 240 incidents (39.6% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.4%) and criminal damage (9.1%). These patterns align with Tunbridge Wells’ character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where public order issues and interpersonal disputes are more prevalent than in densely populated urban centres. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—may have influenced crime trends, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to a rise in theft from the person. However, this was offset by declines in shoplifting and drug-related offences, which fell by 27.1% and 25%, respectively. Violent crime rates remain lower than the UK average (2.0 per 1,000 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a disparity that may reflect the town’s relatively low population density and strong community policing presence. The interplay between local demographics, infrastructure, and seasonal rhythms continues to shape Tunbridge Wells’ crime profile, with the area’s low crime rate serving as a benchmark for other towns grappling with similar challenges.

April 2025 saw a sharp 200% increase in theft from the person, with three incidents reported compared to one in March. This jump, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain the heightened focus on personal safety in public spaces. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 27.1% (from 70 to 51 cases), a decline consistent with seasonal trends in retail areas where foot traffic typically increases during Easter. Violent crimes accounted for 39.6% of all reported incidents, significantly below the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000 vs 2.0 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour remained lower than the UK average (47% below), a pattern likely influenced by the area’s suburban character and community-focused policing initiatives. The 100% drop in bicycle theft (from 2 to 1 case) and 63% reduction in drug-related crimes (from 20 to 15) further illustrate a broader trend of decreasing low-level offences. These figures suggest that local efforts to address visible crime may be yielding results, though the spike in theft from the person deserves closer attention from residents and authorities.

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents in April 2025, a 7.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns observed in similar market towns, where spring months often see reduced property crime due to milder weather and increased daylight. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 20 reported crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 606 as a manageable but consistent presence in the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 198 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low risk profile compared to larger urban areas. When scaled to the population of 119,694, the 5.1 per 1,000 rate places Tunbridge Wells well below the UK average, reflecting a combination of local policing strategies and the area’s demographic composition, which includes a significant proportion of retired residents and commuters. This monthly exposure figure is particularly useful for residents assessing personal risk, as it provides a tangible sense of how frequently crime impacts the average household.