Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells reported a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents in December 2025, 15.7% below the UK average of 7.0. This represents the lowest annual rate for the area since 2020, consistent with its status as a largely rural district with a strong emphasis on community policing. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences (268 incidents, 37.9% of total), which remained 14% below the UK average for the category. Anti-social behaviour (130 incidents, 18.4%) was the second most frequent category, though it was 18% above the UK average, likely reflecting the impact of holiday-related disturbances in residential areas. Other theft (60 incidents) and shoplifting (57 incidents) both fell significantly below UK averages, potentially linked to the town's lower retail density compared to major urban centres. Seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and the closure of some homes during the festive period may have influenced patterns, though the overall decline in crime suggests effective local interventions. The rate of vehicle crime (17 incidents) was 73% below the UK average, a figure that may be attributed to the area’s lower car ownership rates and higher use of public transport. These trends indicate a crime profile shaped by both geographic characteristics and targeted community efforts.

December 2025 saw a 24.1% increase in violence and sexual offences (268 incidents), the largest month-on-month rise in this category since 2021. This surge may be tied to the festive season’s social dynamics, including late-night gatherings and increased alcohol consumption in town centres. Burglary rates doubled (14 to 28 incidents), a 100% increase, likely driven by the presence of empty homes during the holidays and the typical seasonal vulnerability of properties. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by two-thirds (from 3 to 1), possibly due to heightened police patrols and the closure of some retail outlets on weekends. Vehicle crime dropped by 19% (21 to 17 incidents), a trend consistent with reduced traffic volumes and lower shopping activity during the Christmas period. Anti-social behaviour rose by 38.7% (31 to 43 incidents), highlighting the challenges of managing public spaces during the party season. The rate of drugs-related offences (28 incidents) was 26% below the UK average, suggesting that Tunbridge Wells may have fewer drug-related hotspots compared to other areas. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local policing strategies.

The crime rate in Tunbridge Wells rose by 5.3% from 5.6 per 1,000 in November to 5.9 per 1,000 in December, reflecting a slight upward trend in the final month of the year. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 23 crimes per day, a figure that may seem high to residents but is offset by the town’s relatively small population of 119,694. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 169 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average for similar-sized areas. This statistic places the area in the safer half of local authority districts nationally. The previous month’s rate (5.6) was 0.3 per 1,000 lower than December’s figure, a change that may be attributed to the unique pressures of the festive season. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the increase in violent crimes highlights the need for continued vigilance. For residents, the data suggests that while Tunbridge Wells is generally safer than the national average, certain periods—particularly those with heightened social activity—require additional caution. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the effectiveness of local crime prevention initiatives, which have helped maintain a lower-than-average rate despite seasonal challenges.