Pembury Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38% of all crimes in Pembury during November 2023, marking a 27% increase over the UK average for this category. This spike contrasts sharply with the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 for such crimes, raising questions about local factors that may have contributed to this divergence. The area's built-up nature within Tunbridge Wells likely amplifies interactions in public spaces, which could explain the prominence of violent incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting emerged as another standout concern, with a rate of 1.4 per 1,000 — 155% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This suggests a possible link to the retail activity in the area, particularly during the pre-Christmas shopping period. November's seasonal context — including the dark evenings of late autumn and the Black Friday shopping rush — may have created conditions conducive to such crimes. The overall crime rate for Pembury, at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, is 16% higher than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, highlighting a consistent pattern of elevated crime levels compared to the national benchmark. Other thefts, at 1.2 per 1,000, also showed a 94% increase over the UK average, indicating a broader trend of property-related incidents. These figures, while concerning, must be contextualised within the area's specific characteristics, including its proximity to major transport links and the mix of residential and commercial land uses that define Pembury's built-up environment.

Burglary rates in Pembury saw a dramatic 100% increase in November 2023, rising from 0 to 6 incidents. This sharp rise, coupled with a concurrent 100% increase in shoplifting (from 4 to 8), suggests a possible seasonal pattern linked to the shopping season and increased foot traffic in local retail areas. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 66.7%, climbing from 3 to 5 incidents, which may reflect the impact of darker evenings and increased social gatherings during the month. In contrast, drugs-related offences fell by 50%, declining from 2 to 1, a decrease that could indicate shifting patterns in illicit activity or improved community policing efforts. The crime mix in Pembury this month showed a marked shift toward property crimes, with 48% of all reported incidents falling into this category compared to 38% for violent crimes — a reversal of the typical balance seen in many UK areas. This property-focused trend was particularly pronounced in shoplifting and other thefts, which together accounted for 30% of all crimes. The stark contrast between these rising property crime rates and the UK average — where shoplifting is only 0.6 per 1,000 — underscores the need for targeted interventions in Pembury's retail corridors. Residents may find the 155% disparity in shoplifting rates particularly concerning, as it highlights a vulnerability in local businesses that could be addressed through enhanced security measures and community engagement initiatives.

Pembury's crime rate in November 2023 (8.7 per 1,000 residents) represents a 19.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.3 per 1,000. This upward trend, while significant, must be considered in the context of the area's daily crime dynamics — 2 crimes were reported per day in November, a figure that reflects the persistent nature of local criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 116 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is higher than the average for many UK built-up areas. When scaled to the population of 5,777 residents, this means that nearly 5% of the population experienced a crime directly or indirectly during November. The comparison to the UK average also reveals a broader disparity: Pembury's overall rate is 16% higher than the national benchmark, a gap that has likely been widening over recent months. This discrepancy is particularly pronounced in categories like shoplifting and burglary, where Pembury's rates are multiples above the UK averages. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of ongoing activity, the monthly exposure figure offers a more comprehensive view of how crime impacts the community. For residents, this means that the likelihood of encountering a crime in Pembury is consistently higher than in many other parts of the UK, a fact that underscores the importance of sustained community policing and targeted crime prevention strategies.