Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

September 2025 saw Tunbridge Wells maintain a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 33.8% below the UK average of 7.4. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.6% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and shoplifting (14.3%). This pattern aligns with the area’s character as a commuter town with a mix of retail and residential zones, where public spaces and high streets naturally attract a range of criminal activity. Seasonal factors in September—such as the start of the academic year and shorter evenings—may have influenced the crime profile, though the overall decline from August suggests a stabilising trend. Violence and sexual offences, while still the largest category, were 42% below the UK average, indicating effective local policing or community interventions. Anti-social behaviour, another major category, was 23% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the town’s relatively low levels of youth-related disorder. Shoplifting, however, remained a persistent issue, with rates 15% above the national average, highlighting the need for targeted measures in retail areas. The data also shows a consistent underperformance in burglary and vehicle crime compared to the UK, which may be attributable to the town’s suburban layout and lower population density. These figures collectively illustrate a community with generally low crime levels but specific vulnerabilities that require attention.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift was a 50% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 3 incidents. This surge coincides with the start of the academic year, when freshers’ week may contribute to increased opportunities for opportunistic crimes in crowded areas. Meanwhile, burglary fell 30.4% from 23 to 16 cases, suggesting a possible seasonal reduction in home-related crimes during September. Vehicle crime also dropped 28.6%, potentially linked to shorter evenings and reduced parking activity. Shoplifting rates in Tunbridge Wells remain 15% above the UK average, with 84 incidents reported—highlighting a persistent challenge in retail zones. The 38.5% rise in drug-related crimes, from 13 to 18 cases, contrasts with a 23.3% increase in public order offences, both of which may reflect changes in local enforcement priorities or community dynamics.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate in September 2025 dropped 16.5% from 5.9 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents compared to August, marking the lowest monthly rate in the past year. This decline aligns with a broader trend of reduced property crimes, including a 30.4% fall in burglary and 28.6% drop in vehicle crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 20 crimes per day, a figure that remains consistent with historical norms for a mid-sized town. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for every 203 residents, reflecting a relatively low exposure rate compared to the UK average. This monthly aggregate highlights the area’s generally stable crime environment, though localised spikes in specific categories require closer attention. The population-scaled perspective shows that while individual incidents remain rare, targeted areas may see concentrated activity, particularly in retail zones and public spaces.