Paddock Wood Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a community of 8,188 residents, 71 crimes reported in April 2023 equate to one incident for every 115 people—a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, reflects the persistent nature of crime in Paddock Wood. The overall crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents places the area 16% above the UK average of 7.5, a gap that may stem from local factors such as its position within Tunbridge Wells, where retail and residential zones intersect. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.1%) and shoplifting (14.1%). This distribution aligns with the area’s character: a built-up district with high foot traffic, which could explain both the elevated anti-social behaviour and the shoplifting rates. Seasonal context also plays a role: April’s Easter period and spring weather likely spurred increased outdoor activity, contributing to the 66.7% month-on-month rise in anti-social behaviour. However, the absence of a corresponding spike in property crimes suggests that other dynamics—such as community policing efforts or local initiatives—may have tempered certain trends. The rate of violence and sexual offences, exactly matching the UK average, indicates no stark local deviation in this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s 150% above-average rate highlights a specific vulnerability in retail crime, linked to the area’s commercial presence. These patterns, combined with the UK-wide decline in vehicle crime (56% below the national average), suggest a combination of local conditions and broader national trends. For residents, the data underscores the need for continued awareness and community engagement to address the most pressing issues.

April 2023 saw a 66.7% increase in anti-social behaviour, from 9 to 15 incidents, reflecting heightened community tensions or seasonal pressures. Other crime surged by 200%, jumping from 1 to 3 cases, a spike that could signal emerging issues or underreporting in previous months. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 33.3%, possibly linked to reduced car usage during Easter holidays or improved security measures. Shoplifting remained 150% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 56% UK-wide decline in vehicle crime. The persistence of violence and sexual offences at 2.6 per 1,000—exactly matching the UK average—suggests no significant local deviation in this category. For residents, the 150% above-average shoplifting rate is a concrete indicator of retail vulnerability, warranting targeted interventions.

In April 2023, Paddock Wood’s crime rate rose to 8.7 per 1,000 residents, an 18.3% increase from the previous month’s 7.3. This translates to roughly two crimes reported daily, a figure that, while low, underscores the consistent presence of crime in a community of 8,188 people. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 115 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not alarming, highlights the need for vigilance. When compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, Paddock Wood’s rate is 16% higher, suggesting local factors may amplify crime trends. The population context is critical here: for a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where retail and residential zones coexist, the interplay between foot traffic and community dynamics likely contributes to this disparity. While daily crime counts remain manageable, the cumulative effect of month-on-month increases in specific categories demands closer attention.