Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in February 2025, placing it 17.9% below the UK average of 6.7. This figures marks the lowest overall crime rate for the area since 2020, though the data reveals a concerning shift in crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.3% of all reported incidents—2.1 per 1,000 residents. This category remains 11% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Tunbridge Wells' relatively low levels of violent crime compared to major urban centres. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 13.1% of total crimes, while shoplifting made up 10.1%. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may partly explain the subdued levels of property crime, though the data suggests a pre-spring lull rather than a direct correlation. The area's retail presence appears to sustain shoplifting rates, but the absence of significant spikes in vehicle crime or burglary (which remain 11% above the UK average) indicates a distinct crime profile compared to other parts of the country. The low overall rate may reflect Tunbridge Wells' character as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where community engagement and local policing efforts appear to mitigate more severe crime types.

February 2025 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories that residents should monitor. Bicycle theft surged by 150%, rising from 2 to 5 incidents—a jump that may be linked to the area's growing cycling infrastructure and potentially unsecured bike storage in local parks and retail zones. Theft from the person also spiked 100%, with four incidents reported in February after none in January, suggesting a need for heightened vigilance in public spaces. Burglary rose by 89.5% compared to January, with 36 reported cases—19 in the previous month. This increase may reflect seasonal patterns, as colder weather could lead to more indoor activities and more vulnerable homes during extended periods of darkness. In contrast, several categories showed declines: public order offences fell by 32.4%, due to reduced foot traffic during the winter months, and other theft dropped by 28.1%. Tunbridge Wells continues to perform well below the UK average in several categories, including anti-social behaviour (28% below) and drugs offences (20% below). However, criminal damage and arson (25% above UK average) and other crime (25% above) remain areas requiring attention. These mixed trends underscore the need for targeted local strategies to address emerging risks while maintaining the area's overall low crime profile.

The crime rate in Tunbridge Wells rose by 7.6% in February 2025 compared to January, moving from 5.2 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, translates to 24 crimes reported per day on average—a figure that, while lower than many urban centres, still requires awareness. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 181 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average but reflects the area's unique demographic and geographic characteristics. With a population of 119,694, Tunbridge Wells' crime statistics must be contextualised within its role as a commuter town with a strong retail and educational presence. The relatively low levels of violent crime—violence and sexual offences remain 11% below the UK average—suggest that the area's community structures and policing efforts are effective in preventing severe incidents. However, the rise in burglary and bicycle theft indicates vulnerabilities that may be exacerbated by seasonal factors or changes in local activity patterns. Comparing Tunbridge Wells to other areas with similar demographics, its crime profile appears to align more closely with suburban regions than with densely populated cities, where property crime and public order offences tend to dominate. These comparisons highlight both the strengths and specific challenges of maintaining safety in a town that balances residential tranquility with commercial activity.