Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in February 2025, marking a 17.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This places the area among the safer local authority districts in England. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.3% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.1%) and shoplifting (10.1%). These figures align with Tunbridge Wells' character as a largely suburban and commuter-oriented district, where retail hubs and community spaces drive certain crime patterns. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate, though the data shows a shift in crime types. Violence and sexual offences, which often occur in indoor settings, remain high compared to the UK average for this category (2.1 vs 2.4 per 1,000). Conversely, shoplifting rates are 3% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's lower density of high-street retail compared to major urban centres. The absence of significant spikes in property crimes, such as burglary (0.3 per 1,000) or vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000), suggests that the area's lower population density and suburban layout may act as a deterrent for certain offences. However, the seasonal transition into spring, which typically sees increased foot traffic and events, may introduce new risk factors that warrant continued monitoring.

February 2025 saw notable increases in specific crime categories, with bicycle theft surging by 150% (2 to 5 incidents) and theft from the person rising by 100% (0 to 4 incidents). These spikes, though small in absolute terms, may indicate emerging vulnerabilities, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians in the town centre. Burglary also rose sharply by 89.5% (19 to 36 incidents), a jump that could be linked to seasonal factors such as the end of the Christmas holiday period, when homes may be less occupied. Conversely, public order offences fell by 32.4% (34 to 23), and other thefts declined by 28.1% (64 to 46), suggesting some success in addressing petty crime through community initiatives or policing efforts. The area's performance against the UK average reveals mixed trends: while violence and sexual offences are 11% below the national rate, criminal damage and arson are 25% above (0.6 vs 0.5 per 1,000). This discrepancy may reflect local challenges in managing anti-social behaviour or property-related disputes, particularly in older housing stock. Residents should remain vigilant in areas with higher concentrations of retail and community facilities, where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are more prevalent.

The crime rate in Tunbridge Wells rose by 7.6% from 5.2 per 1,000 in January 2025 to 5.5 per 1,000 in February, marking a slight upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 24 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while relatively low, highlights the need for continuous vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 181 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average but may increase with seasonal activity. With a population of 119,694, the area's crime statistics reflect a balance between suburban safety and localized risks. The comparison to the UK average underscores Tunbridge Wells' relative security, particularly in categories like vehicle crime (46% below) and public order offences (55% below). However, the area's slightly higher rates of criminal damage and arson (25% above UK average) suggest targeted challenges that could benefit from enhanced community engagement or property management strategies. For residents, these figures indicate that while the overall environment is safer than most, specific crime types require tailored awareness, especially during periods of increased foot traffic or community events.