Paddock Wood Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Paddock Wood’s crime rate stood at 7.1 per 1,000, placing it 5.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local conditions and seasonal influences, with violent crime slightly outweighing property crime for the first time this year. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.1% of all reported crimes, a stark contrast to the 34% typically seen in similar built-up areas. This dominance of violent crime over property crime may be influenced by the area’s proximity to Tunbridge Wells’ retail and leisure hubs, which draw higher foot traffic during November’s festive season. The seasonal context of Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and the early onset of winter darkness likely contributed to the sharp increase in shoplifting and public order offences, which saw 133.3% and 200% month-on-month growth, respectively. These trends are consistent with other areas experiencing similar spikes during periods of high consumer activity and reduced visibility. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary (3.5% of total crimes) suggests that residential areas remain comparatively secure, possibly due to the area’s smaller size and tighter community networks. The data also highlights the area’s unique position within the UK’s crime profile, with violent crime rates 20% above the national average, a figure that may warrant further investigation into local factors such as policing strategies or community engagement efforts.

November 2023 saw significant spikes in possession of weapons (+200%) and public order offences (+200%), alongside a 133.3% increase in shoplifting. These changes suggest a shift in crime patterns, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping. Violence and sexual offences, while down 19.4% from October, remain 20% above the UK average, a notable divergence that may reflect local social dynamics or policing priorities. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 40%, a decrease that could indicate the effectiveness of community initiatives or a natural seasonal dip in certain types of activity. The sharp rise in shoplifting, which now accounts for 12.1% of total crimes, may be influenced by the high footfall of shoppers during the month, a trend consistent with other retail-heavy areas. These statistics provide residents with concrete insights into crime trends, highlighting areas of concern and potential areas for community engagement.

Paddock Wood’s crime rate in November 2023 rose by 5.4% compared to October’s 6.7 per 1,000, marking a slight upward trend. This increase, though modest, reflects a local shift in crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately two crimes reported each day, a figure that aligns with the area’s built-up nature and population density. When scaled to the population of 8,188, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 141 residents over the course of the month. This provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, though it remains below the UK average when considering the broader context. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while crime is present, it is distributed across a relatively small community, which may influence local perceptions of safety. The comparison to the previous month also underscores the need to monitor seasonal fluctuations, as November’s darker evenings and retail-focused events like Black Friday may have contributed to the slight rise in reported incidents.