Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, placing it 28.4% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is driven by a combination of factors, including a strong performance in categories such as public order offences (48% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (50% below). However, the town’s crime profile reveals distinct patterns: violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.5% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.1%) and shoplifting (11.9%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for similar categories, where violence and sexual offences are 29% higher and shoplifting is only 4% above. The seasonal context of May—characterized by longer evenings and increased outdoor socializing—may partly explain the higher proportion of violent crimes. Tunbridge Wells’ mix of historic residential areas, retail hubs, and recreational spaces likely contributes to this dynamic. While the town’s overall safety remains evident, the data highlights the need for targeted measures in areas with higher concentrations of specific offences. For instance, the 34.5% share of violent crimes, despite being below the UK average, suggests that local initiatives to address alcohol-fueled incidents or community engagement in high-traffic zones could further reduce these figures. The interplay between the area’s geography and seasonal activity patterns will continue to shape crime trends in the coming months.

Bicycle theft in Tunbridge Wells saw a 200% increase in May 2025, jumping from 1 to 3 incidents—a stark deviation from previous months. This surge, though still below the UK average for the category, raises questions about local factors such as increased cycling during longer evenings or changes in bike storage practices. Meanwhile, robbery incidents doubled from 3 to 6, and possession of weapons rose by 75%, suggesting potential links to seasonal social activity or specific incidents. Conversely, theft from the person fell by two-thirds, and other crime dropped by 25%, indicating some areas of stability. The town’s violent crime rate—2.0 per 1,000—remains 29% below the UK average, but its share of total crimes (34.5%) underscores a disproportionate focus compared to other areas. These shifts may reflect the interplay between Tunbridge Wells’ seasonal rhythms and its unique mix of residential and commercial spaces.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate rose 14.8% from 5.1 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, marking the first monthly increase since early 2025. Daily crime activity averaged 22 reported incidents, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 172 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate remains well below the UK average, but the upward trend contrasts with the area’s historically low crime profile. The population-scaled perspective shows that while Tunbridge Wells continues to outperform the UK on most metrics, the recent rise may signal shifting patterns. For example, the 28.4% gap between Tunbridge Wells’ rate and the UK average remains significant, but the 34.5% share of violent crimes—despite being 29% below the UK average—suggests a unique local dynamic. This balance between relative safety and specific crime type concentrations may reflect the town’s mix of residential areas, retail hubs, and recreational spaces.