Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, 28.4% below the UK average of 8.1. This marks a significant departure from national trends, where the UK overall has seen a gradual decline in crime rates over recent years. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.1%) and shoplifting (11.9%). These figures align with the town's characteristics as a historic market town with a mix of urban and rural elements, where social hubs and retail centres may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crime. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may have amplified incidents of violence, particularly during late-night hours when public spaces are more densely populated. Shoplifting rates in Tunbridge Wells remained 4% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas may still face challenges in preventing theft despite local efforts. The overall crime profile reflects a balance between community-focused policing and the persistent influence of broader socioeconomic factors, though the town's performance in reducing violent crime compared to national benchmarks indicates effective local strategies. The 28.4% gap from the UK average is consistent with Tunbridge Wells' status as a relatively safe area, though the recent spikes in bicycle theft and robbery warrant further scrutiny to understand their causes and mitigate future risks.

The most striking change in May 2025 was the 200% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from 1 to 3. This follows a broader pattern of vehicle crime remaining 50% below the UK average, yet bicycle theft alone now matches the national rate for this category. Concurrently, robbery cases doubled, jumping from 3 to 6, a 100% increase that contrasts with the UK average for this category, which remained stable. These spikes occurred alongside a 25% rise in possession of weapons, from 4 to 7, though this category still lags slightly behind the UK average. Theft from the person dropped by two-thirds, from 3 to 1, suggesting improved security measures or reduced opportunities in high-traffic areas. The overall crime mix shows a shift: while violent crimes (34.5% of total) remain the largest category, property crimes now account for 36.2% (250 of 696), reflecting a slight increase in property-related incidents compared to previous months.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate in May 2025 rose 14.8% from 5.1 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents compared to the previous month. This translates to roughly 22 crimes reported each day, or one crime for every 172 residents over the course of the month. While this increase is notable, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stood at 8.1 per 1,000. The local population of 119,694 means that the crime rate is distributed across a relatively large community, though the rise in specific categories like bicycle theft and robbery suggests localized pressures. The daily crime count provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents, but the monthly exposure figure underscores that the majority of residents remain unaffected. Contextually, the 14.8% increase contrasts with broader trends in the UK, where crime rates have been declining in many regions, highlighting the need for localized analysis of factors influencing Tunbridge Wells.