Pembury Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,777 residents, Pembury recorded 43 crimes in March 2023. This translates to a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 people, 2.6% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. The data reveals a distinct pattern in crime types: violence and sexual offences (19 incidents) accounted for 44.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (7) and shoplifting (4). These figures suggest a higher-than-average concentration of violent and disorderly incidents, which may be influenced by Pembury’s role as a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where social interactions and local events could contribute to such trends. The seasonal context of March—a transitional period from winter to spring, with longer evenings and the clocks moving forward—may have played a role in shaping these patterns. For instance, the increase in evening activity could correlate with higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which dropped to 4.7 per 1,000 (2.3% of total crimes) in March. However, direct causal links, and other factors such as local policing efforts or community initiatives may also be at play. Crimes against property, which include burglary and vehicle theft, accounted for 27.9% of total incidents, slightly below the share of violent crimes but still representing a significant portion of the area’s criminal activity.

March 2023 saw a stark divergence in crime types compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences in Pembury reaching 3.3 per 1,000—20% above the national rate of 2.7 per 1,000. This category alone made up nearly half (44.2%) of all recorded crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average. Similarly, anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.7 per 1,000) were 15% and 43% above UK averages, respectively. These findings suggest that Pembury may experience concentrated pockets of disorder or retail-related crime, possibly linked to its urban character and the presence of local amenities. Conversely, crimes such as criminal damage and arson (0.4 per 1,000) were 33% below the UK average, as were public order offences (0.4 per 1,000) and other theft (0.2 per 1,000). This contrast could indicate effective local strategies in addressing certain types of crime, or a lower incidence of incidents involving property destruction. Residents may find the 43% above-average rate for shoplifting particularly relevant, as it highlights the need for targeted interventions in retail areas. The data also shows that possession of weapons (0.2 per 1,000) was 186% above the UK average, a figure that may warrant closer attention from local authorities.

In March 2023, Pembury recorded 43 crimes over 31 days, averaging roughly 1 crime per day. This equates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 134 residents—a figure that places the area within the broader context of its population size. For a built-up area of approximately 5,800 people, this rate suggests that crime, while present, remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. The daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents to gauge the frequency of incidents in their neighbourhood. The monthly exposure statistic, however, offers a broader perspective: over the course of the month, the probability of being involved in a reported crime was 1 in 134, a figure that may be more meaningful to individuals than the raw numbers alone. When compared to the UK average, Pembury’s overall crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 is 2.6% lower, indicating a slight but consistent trend of being safer than the national average. This could reflect the area’s characteristics as a smaller, more tightly knit community within Tunbridge Wells, where local policing and community engagement may contribute to lower rates of certain crimes. However, the disparity in specific categories—such as the significantly higher rates of violence and shoplifting—reminds residents that while the overall picture is positive, targeted efforts may still be needed in certain areas of criminal activity.