Paddock Wood Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

January 2025 marked a combination of crime trends in Paddock Wood, a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells. While the overall crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents placed the area 5.6% above the UK average, certain categories showed marked improvement. Shoplifting, for instance, remained 19% below the national average, a consistent feature in areas with strong community policing and retail security measures. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 16.7% compared to December, likely reflecting the seasonal downturn in social activity typical of post-holiday periods. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (34.4% of total), criminal damage and arson (13.1%), and other theft (11.5%), suggesting a mix of personal and property-related issues. The area's relatively low vehicle crime rate (51% below the UK average) may be attributed to its compact built-up nature, where cars are less frequently targeted compared to sprawling suburbs. Seasonal factors played a role, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall contributing to lower outdoor crime rates. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson—96% above the UK average—raises questions about potential local catalysts, such as increased property neglect or targeted vandalism. This pattern contrasts with the decline in anti-social behaviour, which could indicate effective community engagement or improved enforcement during the winter months. Overall, the data illustrates a nuanced picture where some areas of the crime profile have improved, while others demand closer attention.

January 2025 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, which surged 300% from one to four incidents, and public order offences, which rose 133.3% from three to seven. Criminal damage and arson also doubled, reflecting a concerning trend in property-related crimes. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 16.7%, and other theft fell by 22.2%, indicating some success in addressing nuisance crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained 4% above the UK average, while shoplifting was 19% below national levels, a notable achievement for the area. The stark contrast between rising property crimes and falling anti-social behaviour suggests shifting dynamics in local crime patterns, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as post-holiday periods and reduced retail activity.

Paddock Wood's crime rate rose 7.0% in January 2025, climbing from 7.0 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 5.6% above the UK average, a marginal increase but consistent with trends observed in similar market towns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests the majority of the population remains unaffected by crime. When scaled to the area's population of 8,188, this translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, though the upward trend warrants continued monitoring. The rate's proximity to the UK average highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas where specific crime types like criminal damage and arson have surged significantly.