Rural Tunbridge Wells Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rural Tunbridge Wells indicate a rate of 43.0 crimes per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Rural Tunbridge Wells in a relatively safer position when compared to the national landscape. While the area demonstrates a positive trend of decreasing crime, with a 12.0% year-on-year reduction, understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to them remains crucial for ensuring community safety. A continued focus on preventative measures and community engagement will be essential in maintaining this downward trajectory.

The crime landscape in Rural Tunbridge Wells presents a varied picture. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 34.4% of recorded crimes, with 134 incidents reported. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, representing 15.1% of total crimes (59 incidents). Other theft contributes 11.5% (45 incidents), demonstrating a concern for property security within the area. Criminal damage and arson account for 9.2% (36 incidents), while burglary, though a smaller proportion at 6.9% (27 incidents), remains a worry for residents. Shoplifting and vehicle crime each contribute approximately 6%, reflecting potential vulnerabilities in retail and parking areas. The overall property crime rate stands at 17.3 per 1,000 residents, which is a factor residents consider when assessing the area’s safety.

Crime in Rural Tunbridge Wells has experienced a notable decrease of 12.0% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations throughout the period. January started with a rate of 3.6 per 1,000/month, which dipped to a low of 2.1 in February. Following this, rates fluctuated, peaking at 4.1 per 1,000/month in July and August, before decreasing again to 3.6 per 1,000/month in October and November. December saw a slight increase to 4.9 per 1,000/month. This downward trend indicates positive progress in crime reduction, but continuous monitoring and proactive strategies are essential to sustain this momentum.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Tunbridge Wells

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's advisable to be particularly cautious when walking alone at night and to consider alternative routes if possible. With anti-social behaviour also a concern, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Due to the occurrence of other theft, ensure that valuables are kept secure and out of sight. When parking vehicles, choose well-lit areas and consider using steering wheel locks. Finally, be mindful of your surroundings when shopping and avoid leaving bags unattended. By taking these simple precautions, you can enhance your personal safety and contribute to a safer community.

Crimes in Rural Tunbridge Wells tend to be distributed across the day, although certain types exhibit patterns. Burglaries show a slight increase during the afternoon (12pm-6pm) and evening (6pm-12am), while vehicle crime is more common during the night hours (12am-6am). Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening and late-night hours, particularly on weekends. Theft is often concentrated during commercial hours, reflecting opportunities in retail areas. Overall, awareness and vigilance are important throughout the day, with heightened caution advised during the evening and night.

Compared to similar built-up areas in the surrounding Tunbridge Wells district, Rural Tunbridge Wells generally exhibits a lower crime rate. Neighbouring villages, such as Pembury and Frant, have crime rates that are within a similar range, reflecting the shared characteristics of rural communities. However, larger towns like Tonbridge consistently report higher crime statistics due to factors such as increased population density and commercial activity. The overall safety score for Rural Tunbridge Wells stands at 90/100, further demonstrating its relative safety compared to other areas in the county.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. With a crime rate of 43.0 per 1,000 residents in Rural Tunbridge Wells, proactive protection is increasingly vital. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different approach. It uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your entire property boundary simultaneously, detecting potential threats before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, reducing false alarms. Consider that most burglars decide within 60 seconds – scOS’s visible deterrence and autonomous response, like activating lights and speakers, can be enough to make them move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.