Pembury Crime Rate March 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 5,777 residents, March 2025 saw 31 crimes reported in Pembury, equating to a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people. This figure is 30.8% below the UK average of 7.8 per 1,000, placing Pembury among the safer built-up areas in the country. The crime mix reveals a stark contrast between violent and property offences, with violence and sexual offences (16 incidents) accounting for 51.6% of all reported crimes, followed by property crimes (9 incidents). This pattern aligns with Pembury’s character as a historically affluent commuter suburb within Tunbridge Wells, where residential stability may contribute to lower property crime rates compared to more densely populated urban centres. Seasonal factors likely play a role in the violent crime dominance, as March marks the transition to spring with extended evening hours—conditions that may increase opportunities for alcohol-fuelled incidents in the area’s social hubs. The UK average comparison highlights Pembury’s relative safety, though the local violent crime rate (2.8 per 1,000) is 3% above the national average for this category, suggesting targeted interventions could further reduce harm. Property crime, however, remains lower than UK norms, consistent with the area’s low incidence of burglary and vehicle-related theft. This suggests that community cohesion and local policing efforts may be effectively mitigating risks in Pembury’s more residential zones.

March 2025 saw a 100% increase in shoplifting, with one incident reported—a sharp contrast to the previous month’s zero cases. This shift may reflect seasonal retail activity or targeted criminal behaviour in Pembury’s local shops. Conversely, other thefts fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and anti-social behaviour dropped by 50% (from 4 to 2), indicating potential success in community-focused policing initiatives. The violent crime category (2.8 per 1,000) is 3% above the UK average, while criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000) are 58% above the national rate, suggesting vulnerabilities in addressing vandalism and property destruction. Public order offences, however, are 9% below the UK average (0.5 vs 0.6 per 1,000), possibly reflecting effective management of local events or venues. For residents, the most immediate insight is the 100% rise in shoplifting, which may prompt local retailers to enhance security measures. The overall crime rate (5.4 per 1,000) remains significantly lower than the UK average, though targeted attention to violent and property crime trends could further improve outcomes.

The crime rate in March 2025 (5.4 per 1,000) represents an 18.4% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.6 per 1,000, marking a downward trend in overall crime. On a daily basis, Pembury recorded approximately one crime per day in March, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining this trajectory. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 186 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national averages. For context, the UK average monthly exposure rate is not provided, but Pembury’s figure suggests a level of safety that exceeds typical expectations for a built-up area. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with 31 crimes reported, the per-capita rate remains well below the UK average, highlighting the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies. This includes a 68% reduction in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, which may reflect strong community engagement or effective policing in residential areas. However, the 58% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson signals a specific area for improvement, potentially linked to the area’s historical buildings or seasonal weather patterns affecting property maintenance. Residents benefit from a crime environment that, while not perfect, demonstrates measurable progress in reducing harm compared to both the previous month and national benchmarks.