Pembury Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Pembury's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, 13.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a broader trend of lower-than-average crime rates in this built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, a town known for its suburban character and historic infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences remained the most frequently reported category, accounting for 33.3% of all crimes, though their rate is 15% below the UK average. Public order offences, however, showed a stark divergence, with a rate of 1.4 per 1,000—122% above the national average—suggesting localized pressures that may tie to the area's social fabric. May's seasonal context, including bank holidays and longer evenings, likely contributed to increased outdoor activity and associated incidents. The balance between property and violent crimes shifted slightly, with property crimes (14 incidents) matching violent crimes (14 incidents), a contrast to earlier months where property crimes often dominated. This equilibrium may reflect broader changes in policing focus or evolving criminal priorities. The lower-than-average burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) and sharp decline in anti-social behaviour (from 7 to 1 incident) could indicate effective community engagement or environmental factors, though further analysis is needed to confirm. As a largely residential area with limited commercial density, Pembury's crime profile appears shaped by a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with public order issues emerging as a critical area for targeted intervention.

May 2024 saw a striking 700% increase in public order offences, rising from one to eight incidents. This surge, coupled with a 200% jump in drug-related crimes and a 100% rise in bicycle theft, indicates a shift in criminal activity that may reflect seasonal trends such as longer evenings and increased socialising. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 85.7%, and other thefts dropped by two-thirds, suggesting targeted interventions or natural fluctuations. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category at 33.3% of all crimes, but their rate of 2.4 per 1,000 is 15% below the UK average, a contrast to public order offences, which are 122% above the national rate. These divergent trends highlight the complexity of local crime dynamics, with public order issues potentially linked to May's bank holidays and extended daylight hours, while other categories show signs of stabilization.

Pembury's crime rate in May 2024 fell by 8.7% compared to April's 8.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a continued downward trend. At 7.3 per 1,000, the area remains 13.1% below the UK average, a consistent gap that underscores local differences in policing or community dynamics. Daily crime figures show an average of one reported incident per day, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 138 residents, a rate that, while low, invites reflection on how such incidents are distributed across the area's 5,777 population. This monthly exposure figure, though not directly comparable to national data, provides a local benchmark for understanding risk. The decline from April suggests sustained efforts in crime prevention, though the nature of incidents—such as the sharp rise in public order offences—warrants further attention to local factors.