Pembury Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of Pembury's population—just under 5,800 residents—March 2024 saw 29 reported crimes, translating to a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 people. This rate is 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that reflects a consistently safer environment compared to national trends. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 14 incidents (48.3% of total crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson (3 incidents) and other theft (3 incidents). These figures align with the area's character as a built-up part of Tunbridge Wells, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to lower crime levels. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to spring and extended evening light—could influence patterns, though no direct correlation is evident in the data. The breakdown also shows that Pembury's violent crime rate (2.4 per 1,000) is 10% below the UK average for this category, while anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) is 66% below the national figure. This suggests that local initiatives or environmental factors, such as well-lit public spaces or active community engagement, may play a role in maintaining lower rates. However, the presence of a 34% deficit in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights the area's limited retail density, which is consistent with its smaller built-up footprint. Overall, Pembury's crime profile illustrates a balance between typical urban challenges and the mitigating effects of its compact, commuter-oriented layout.

March 2024 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with drugs-related incidents surging by 100% (from 0 to 1) and shoplifting doubling (from 0 to 2). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal changes, such as the post-Christmas period or the start of spring, which could influence illicit activity. Conversely, public order offences fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), linked to fewer gatherings in the early spring months or improved local policing efforts. The rate of violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) remained 10% below the UK average, a trend that contrasts with the national rise in such crimes during colder months. Possession of weapons (0.2 per 1,000) was 186% above the UK average, a stark outlier that may indicate isolated incidents rather than a broader pattern. For residents, the most immediate concern remains the 14 reported violent crimes, which account for nearly half of all incidents. This highlights the need for continued focus on community safety measures, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or during late-night hours. The absence of theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000) at the UK average suggests that local deterrents, such as CCTV coverage or community policing, may be effective in preventing such crimes.

Pembury's crime rate in March 2024 remained stable compared to February 2024, with no change in the overall rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly one crime per day across the built-up area, a figure that underscores the relatively low volume of incidents in a small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 199 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. For context, this means that a resident in Pembury had a 0.05% chance of being directly involved in a crime during March, compared to the national figure of approximately 0.08%. The population-scaled perspective highlights how even a small number of crimes can have a noticeable impact in a close-knit community. Pembury's compact size and likely reliance on local amenities—such as shops, schools, and parks—may contribute to its lower crime rate, as these areas are often monitored more closely by residents. However, the spike in drugs-related offences and possession of weapons suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary for these specific categories. While the overall rate is reassuring, the 186% excess in weapons possession compared to the UK average indicates a potential gap in local safety measures that warrants attention.