Pembury Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Pembury's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 45.1% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This overall rate is supported by a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences (26.9% of total incidents), followed by other theft (15.4%) and criminal damage and arson (15.4%). The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, likely influenced these patterns, as increased tourism and temporary property vacances may have affected burglary risks, though such crimes were not prominently featured in the breakdown. The area's low crime rate aligns with its character as a built-up part of Tunbridge Wells, where suburban density and community-focused policing may contribute to reduced opportunities for crime. However, the data also reveals regional disparities: while violent crime remains significantly below UK levels, categories like other theft and vehicle crime show modest deviations from national averages. The absence of major violent incidents—despite the area's proximity to larger urban centres—suggests that localised factors, such as effective community engagement or targeted policing, may play a role in maintaining safety. The seasonal shift from July to August further highlights how temporary population movements and economic activity influence crime dynamics, with August's tourism-driven environment reducing opportunities for certain crimes while increasing others. Overall, Pembury's August statistics illustrate a balance between consistent low-level crime management and the challenges posed by seasonal fluctuations.

August 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one incident to four, marking the most significant month-on-month swing. This surge contrasts sharply with a 66.7% decline in shoplifting, which fell from three to one, reflecting shifting patterns in property crime. Violence and sexual offences also dropped by 65%, from 20 to seven, a reduction that aligns with Pembury's overall trend of being 55% below the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 200%, jumping from one to three incidents, a spike that may relate to increased summer vehicle usage or temporary parking patterns. The data also reveals that Pembury's violent crime rate (1.2 per 1,000) is 55% below the UK average, while other theft remains 23% above the national figure. For residents, the 66.7% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible benefit, suggesting that local retailers may have implemented effective security measures or that seasonal foot traffic has altered consumer behaviour.

Pembury's crime rate in August 2024 (4.5 per 1,000 residents) marks a 33.3% decline from July's 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent trend of reduced criminal activity. This monthly rate translates to roughly one reported crime per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the area's generally secure environment. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 222 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to Pembury's population of 5,777. When compared to the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, Pembury remains significantly safer, with its overall rate 45.1% below the national benchmark. The population-scaled perspective reinforces this: for every 1,000 residents in Pembury, there are 4.5 crimes, compared to 8.2 across the UK. This contrast is amplified by the localised nature of Pembury, a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower crime rates. The shift from July to August highlights seasonal patterns, with August's peak holiday period potentially reducing opportunities for certain crimes, such as shoplifting, while increasing others linked to temporary property vacances.