Pembury Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Pembury’s crime rate in December 2024 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 31% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This sustained performance reflects consistent efforts in community policing and local engagement, though seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and holiday-related activity have historically influenced patterns. Violent crimes accounted for 53.6% of all incidents, with 15 reported cases—slightly above the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000). Property crimes, while lower than violent offences, still constituted 21.4% of the total, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in securing homes and vehicles. The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended dark hours, increased retail activity, and the temporary absence of some residents during the festive period—likely contributed to the mix of crime types observed. The area’s relatively low crime rate is consistent with its character as a quiet, residential built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where community cohesion and limited nightlife may reduce opportunities for certain offences. The absence of significant spikes in burglary or vehicle crime, despite holiday-related vulnerabilities, suggests effective local measures in place to deter opportunistic theft. However, the persistence of violence and sexual offences underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as public spaces and transport hubs, which remain focal points for enforcement efforts.

December 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson surging by 200% compared to November, reaching three incidents—a stark increase from one. This rise may be linked to seasonal factors, such as holiday decorations or the increased presence of empty homes during the festive period. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 80%, declining from five to one incident, potentially reflecting reduced traffic volume during the Christmas holidays and heightened awareness among residents to secure vehicles. Drug-related crimes also doubled to two incidents, marking a 100% increase and placing Pembury 67% above the UK average for this category (0.2 per 1,000). This anomaly warrants attention, though it may be attributed to transient populations or increased illicit activity in specific areas. Public order offences similarly rose by 100%, with two incidents reported, tied to heightened social gatherings during the holiday season. Meanwhile, other thefts decreased by 50%, aligning with a broader trend of reduced property crime. The contrast between these increases and decreases illustrates a dynamic crime profile, where targeted enforcement and community initiatives may be influencing outcomes. For residents, the sharp drop in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, suggesting that measures such as visible policing or community campaigns have had a measurable impact.

Pembury’s crime rate remained stable at 4.9 per 1,000 in December 2024, matching the previous month’s figure and indicating no significant month-on-month fluctuation. This consistency, despite the seasonal pressures of December, reinforces the area’s position as one of the safer built-up areas within Tunbridge Wells. On a daily basis, the rate translates to approximately one crime per day—a figure that, while not negligible, is markedly lower than the UK average when scaled to Pembury’s population of 5,777. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 206 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK’s average, which typically sees one crime for every 140 residents. This disparity is amplified by Pembury’s smaller population and the relatively low prevalence of crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft. However, the 67% increase in drug-related offences compared to the UK average highlights a critical vulnerability, suggesting that localised issues—such as transient populations or unmet demand for services—may be contributing to this trend. The stability in overall crime rates, coupled with the sharp declines in vehicle and other thefts, demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted policing strategies and community engagement, even in the face of seasonal challenges. For residents, these figures offer reassurance that Pembury remains a comparatively safe place to live, though the specific rise in drug-related incidents underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and tailored interventions.