Paddock Wood Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Paddock Wood's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.7% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure marks a notable improvement from the previous month, reflecting broader seasonal trends as the area transitions from summer into autumn. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.6% of all incidents, though this rate remained 24% below the UK average. Property-related crimes, including other theft and shoplifting, formed the second-largest share of total offences, with 'Other theft' cases surging to 11 incidents—a figure 145% above the UK average. This spike may be linked to increased retail activity in the area. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell slightly, aligning with the UK average for the first time this year. The seasonal context of September—marked by back-to-school activities and the start of university term—may have influenced patterns. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences saw significant declines, suggesting that community-focused initiatives or improved policing strategies could be contributing factors. These trends underscore the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and crime patterns, requiring further analysis to identify sustained changes.

The most dramatic shift in September 2024 was the 150% increase in 'Other crime' cases, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified offences, now accounts for 8.9% of total crimes, marking a significant departure from previous months. Concurrently, 'Other theft' surged by 120%, jumping from 5 to 11 cases. This spike, which is 145% above the UK average, may reflect heightened activity around local businesses or changes in reporting practices. In contrast, public order offences fell by 80%, dropping from 10 to 2 cases—a decline consistent with the quieter atmosphere of late summer. Anti-social behaviour also dropped sharply, decreasing by 75% as community engagement initiatives may have contributed to reduced incidents. These contrasting trends highlight the volatility of crime categories and the need for ongoing analysis to identify emerging patterns.

Paddock Wood's crime rate in September 2024 dropped by 37.1% compared to August, falling from 10.9 to 6.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader seasonal trend as the area transitions into autumn, with fewer summer visitors and students returning to campus. Locally, the average resident faced a 1-in-146 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the month, a figure that remains lower than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly two crimes per day, a rate consistent with historical patterns for a built-up area in a commuter belt. The population context reveals that Paddock Wood's crime profile is shaped by its proximity to Tunbridge Wells and the presence of retail hubs, which may contribute to fluctuations in property-related offences. These statistics offer a snapshot of how local rhythms—such as school terms and seasonal tourism—interact with crime patterns, though they do not account for unreported incidents or underlying socioeconomic factors.