Pembury Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw an unexpected surge in anti-social behaviour in Pembury, a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, marking a 250% increase from March’s figures. This spike, which saw reported incidents rise from 2 to 7, starkly contrasts with the 50% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 2 to 1. The overall crime rate for the month reached 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing Pembury 3.9% above the UK average of 7.7. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (37% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.2%) and burglary (13%). This mix reflects a shift toward more disruptive incidents, possibly linked to the Easter holiday period and increased outdoor activity during spring. While violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, their rate of 2.9 per 1,000 was 13% above the UK average, suggesting local factors may contribute to this trend. Conversely, shoplifting dropped sharply, likely influenced by seasonal retail patterns and reduced foot traffic in non-peak hours. The data highlights a combination of community dynamics and external events, with anti-social behaviour emerging as a standout concern for residents and local authorities.

The most striking change in April was the 250% rise in anti-social behaviour, which moved from 2 to 7 reported incidents. This increase, coupled with a 100% jump in both burglary (from 0 to 6) and vehicle crime (from 0 to 4), indicates a notable shift in the crime profile. These categories, particularly burglary, were 212% above the UK average, underscoring Pembury’s vulnerability in these areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by half, aligning with a 70% UK-wide deficit in the category. The dominance of violent crime—accounting for 37% of total incidents—remained consistent with national trends, though Pembury’s rate was 13% higher than the UK average. For residents, the 250% increase in anti-social behaviour is a critical indicator, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. The absence of significant changes in other categories, such as drug-related offences (unchanged) or public order incidents (down 62% from UK averages), further highlights the concentration of concern around property and personal safety. These findings challenge assumptions about seasonal crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour defying typical Easter-related trends.

Pembury’s crime rate in April 2024 rose sharply to 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a 58.6% increase from March’s rate of 5.0. This translates to roughly two crimes per day on average, a local figure that provides a tangible sense of the monthly pace. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 126 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while low compared to major urban centres, reflects a significant uptick from the previous month. The population context is crucial: with 5,777 residents, the 46 total crimes represent a notable shift in the area’s crime profile. The previous month’s rate was 5.0 per 1,000, a stark contrast to April’s figures, indicating a rapid acceleration in incidents. This change is particularly evident in anti-social behaviour, which rose by 250%, and burglary, which doubled. While daily crime counts remain manageable, the 58.6% monthly increase highlights a need for closer monitoring of trends. The comparison to the UK average—Pembury’s rate is 3.9% higher than the national 7.7—emphasises that while the area is not exceptionally high-risk, the rate of change is a key concern for local stakeholders.