Paddock Wood Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Paddock Wood's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.7% increase above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while higher than the national benchmark, reflects a nuanced picture shaped by seasonal and local dynamics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.9% of all incidents (23 cases), followed by shoplifting (20.3%, 13 cases) and anti-social behaviour (17.2%, 11 cases). The dominance of violent crime aligns with the area's built-up character within Tunbridge Wells, where higher population density and proximity to retail and leisure hubs may contribute to such incidents. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a particularly striking concern, with its rate 181% above the UK average, likely driven by the area's commercial activity and foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour also showed a significant disparity, with rates 40% above the national average, a trend consistent with urban environments where public spaces are more frequently used. Seasonal factors may have played a role in shaping these patterns, as January's shorter days and post-holiday lull in retail activity could have influenced the frequency of outdoor crimes. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (73% below UK average) and theft from the person (78% below) suggest that the area's infrastructure or policing may be mitigating these risks. While the overall crime rate remains elevated compared to the UK, the stability in month-on-month figures indicates a degree of consistency in local crime dynamics, with no abrupt spikes or dips reported.

January 2026 saw a notable 75% reduction in vehicle crime, dropping from 4 to 1 incident, a shift likely tied to shorter daylight hours and reduced outdoor activity during the post-holiday period. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson fell by 42.9%, from 7 to 4 cases, potentially reflecting seasonal lulls in property-related offences. However, other crime types showed marked increases, with 'other crime' rising 100% from 0 to 2 incidents, a category that may encompass emerging or less common offences. Drug-related incidents also rose by 50%, from 2 to 3, a trend that could indicate shifting patterns in local drug activity. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained an outlier, with 13 incidents recorded—181% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area's vulnerability to retail-focused crime, particularly in its core commercial zones. The stability in overall crime rates despite these fluctuations suggests a combination of localized factors and broader regional trends.

Paddock Wood's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to December, with a 1.7% increase from 7.7 to 7.8 per 1,000 residents. This continuity suggests no significant shift in overall criminal activity over the month. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the area's built-up nature within Tunbridge Wells. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents despite the area's higher-than-average crime rate. When compared to the UK average, Paddock Wood's 7.8 per 1,000 rate places it 14.7% above the national figure, a disparity consistent with the area's density and proximity to retail hubs that may contribute to property-related offences. However, the stability in monthly rates indicates that local policing efforts or community measures may be maintaining a steady balance despite these broader trends.