Pembury Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 presented a mixed picture for crime in Pembury, with some categories experiencing dramatic shifts while others remained stable. The most unexpected development was the 100% increase in criminal damage and arson, which jumped from two to four incidents. This surge, occurring against a backdrop of generally low crime rates, raises questions about potential triggers such as seasonal changes or local events. The overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents—8% below the UK average—reflects Pembury’s status as a relatively safe built-up area, though the dominance of violent crime (50% of all incidents) underscores a persistent challenge. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.5 per 1,000, were 35% above the UK average, a disparity that may be linked to the area’s proximity to Tunbridge Wells and its associated social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, declined by 28.6% to five incidents, placing it 24% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the Easter holiday period and reduced public gatherings. Seasonal factors such as spring weather and increased outdoor activity likely influenced patterns, with public order offences and criminal damage seeing notable spikes. While these changes highlight the need for continued monitoring, they also provide a snapshot of how local conditions interact with broader national trends.

April 2023 saw a 100% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from two to four incidents, a sharp contrast to the previous month. Other theft and public order offences also doubled, while shoplifting fell by 50%—a notable decline that may reflect seasonal shifts or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences, which comprised 50% of all crimes, were 35% above the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), highlighting a persistent challenge in this category. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, dropped by 28.6% to five incidents, placing it 24% below the UK average. These fluctuations suggest a combination of local conditions and broader trends, with the Easter period and spring weather potentially influencing patterns of outdoor activity and social behaviour.

Pembury's April 2023 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 7.0% decrease from the previous month's 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend. This reduction aligns with the area’s historically lower crime rates compared to the UK average, though seasonal factors may play a role. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 144 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. On a daily basis, Pembury experienced approximately one crime per day, a statistic that provides residents with a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents in their immediate environment. While this daily rate is consistent with the area’s character as a relatively low-crime built-up area, the monthly exposure figure underscores that crime remains a present but manageable concern for the community.