Royal Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile in Royal Tunbridge Wells for November 2024, contributing 32% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.3 per 1,000 residents, sits 11% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, reflecting a pattern seen in similar historic towns where community policing and local engagement may partly explain the lower violent crime rates. The area’s overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents places it 5.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a consistent trend for this built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, which balances historic charm with modern amenities. Shoplifting, at 1.3 per 1,000 (18% of total crimes), is 88% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, likely driven by the town’s retail presence and the seasonal rush of Black Friday shopping. This spike aligns with November’s commercial rhythms, where foot traffic in high streets and shopping centres creates opportunities for theft. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, at 1.0 per 1,000, remains 10% below the UK average, suggesting effective local initiatives in managing public order. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night and darker evenings—may contribute to increased visibility of certain crimes, though the area’s crime rate remains stable compared to other months in the year.

November saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with robbery increasing by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents), a jump that may reflect heightened caution around Bonfire Night events or targeted opportunistic behaviour. Drug-related crimes rose sharply by 72.7% (11 to 19), a figure 54% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting potential pressures on local services or increased illicit activity in the area. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 33.3% (from 15 to 10), aligning with the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000 and possibly indicating improved security measures or reduced parking congestion during the month. Shoplifting, already 88% above the UK average, remained the second most common crime, highlighting vulnerabilities in retail environments during high-traffic periods. Public order offences decreased by 20% (from 20 to 16), a 41% gap below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, which may reflect community cohesion or effective enforcement in managing disturbances. Residents concerned about personal safety should note the 100% reduction in theft from the person, though this category remains extremely low at 0.0 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000.

The crime rate in November 2024 (7.2 per 1,000) marks a 4.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.8 per 1,000, a shift that may reflect seasonal factors rather than systemic trends. Over 30 days, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 140 residents during the month—a ratio that places Royal Tunbridge Wells in line with other comparable towns in Kent. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the overall rate remains below the UK average, fluctuations in specific categories like robbery and drugs suggest localized pressures. For context, the daily crime count is a local metric and cannot be directly compared to UK-wide figures, as national data aggregates across diverse urban and rural areas. The 5.3% gap below the UK average underscores the area’s relatively safe profile, though the 88% spike in shoplifting indicates vulnerabilities in retail security. Residents should note that the 1-in-140 monthly exposure rate is a snapshot of November’s dynamics, which may evolve with changing social and economic conditions.