Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Tunbridge Wells recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 10.9% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a complex picture shaped by local dynamics. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.8% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.1%) and shoplifting (13.9%). These trends align with the town’s character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where retail hubs and public spaces may contribute to certain crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences, though the largest category, remain 18% below the UK average, suggesting effective policing or community initiatives in this area. However, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting both exceed UK rates by 21% and 38% respectively, indicating areas for targeted intervention. February, a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have influenced these patterns. The decrease in violent crime compared to January could reflect reduced opportunities for such incidents during colder months. Residents should remain alert to the rise in theft from the person and anti-social behaviour, which may signal emerging trends requiring closer monitoring.

The most striking development in February was the 500% increase in theft from the person, rising from one incident to six. This sharp rise, though still a small absolute number, signals a potential shift in criminal activity that warrants heightened awareness, particularly in public spaces and during evening hours. Concurrently, robbery incidents doubled, climbing from two to four, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors or changes in local patterns. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 33.3%, with 136 incidents reported—a 21% rise above the UK average. This category, which includes noise complaints and public disorder, suggests a possible uptick in community tensions or disruptions during the winter months. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 14.6% compared to January, a decline that contrasts with the overall rise in crime. This reduction may be attributed to the lower outdoor activity typical of February. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour and theft from the person have increased.

Tunbridge Wells' crime rate in February 2026 rose 3.3% compared to January, moving from 5.5 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with the area's seasonal rhythm as winter transitions to spring, a period when outdoor activity typically dips but indoor gatherings may rise. On a daily basis, the town recorded 24 crimes per day in February, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 177 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests the majority of the population remains unaffected by crime. When scaled to the area’s population of 119,694, this rate highlights that most residents are not directly impacted, though specific pockets may experience higher concentrations of certain offences. The shift in crime mix from January also reveals a slight increase in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, while property crimes and violent offences remained stable or declined slightly.