Southborough Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Southborough, within the Tunbridge Wells district, indicate a crime rate of 51.0 per 1,000 residents for the period January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment compared to the national picture. Southborough also boasts a safety score of 88 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. While these figures are reassuring, it’s important to examine the specific types of crime occurring and the recent trends to gain a complete understanding of the area’s safety profile. The downward trend in crime observed in recent months offers a positive outlook, but ongoing vigilance and preventative measures remain crucial.

The latest data for Southborough, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant proportion of reported incidents, accounting for 41.4% (223 crimes) of the total. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, comprising 14.7% (79 crimes) of incidents. Other theft, including shoplifting and burglary, contributes 9.1% (49 crimes). Criminal damage and arson represent 8.5% (46 crimes), while public order offences account for 7.2% (39 crimes). The prevalence of these specific crime types reflects a complex interplay of factors including population density, socioeconomic conditions and the presence of local amenities. Further investigation would be required to determine the root causes and inform targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Southborough have shown a significant decrease of 15.1% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reflects this downward trend, with crime rates fluctuating but generally remaining lower than the previous year. For instance, January 2025 saw a monthly crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000, which decreased to 3.2 per 1,000 by December 2025. This decline suggests improved safety measures and community efforts are having a positive impact, although continued vigilance and proactive crime prevention strategies remain essential.

How To Keep Safe in Southborough

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, is essential. Walk in well-lit areas and avoid secluded routes. With anti-social behaviour also a concern, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities is crucial. Secure your vehicles properly to prevent theft, utilising alarms and steering locks. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and consider installing a monitored alarm system to deter potential burglars and provide reassurance.

Throughout the day and night, crime patterns in Southborough shift. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent crime, often linked to commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remain the most common, while vehicle crime sees a slight decrease. In the evening (6pm-12am), vehicle crime increases, alongside a rise in other crimes. The night period (12am-6am) sees the highest proportion of burglaries and vehicle crime, indicating a heightened risk during these hours. Understanding these patterns can inform personal safety precautions and targeted security measures.

Comparing Southborough to its neighbours, the area demonstrates varying levels of crime. Bidborough registers a significantly lower crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000, indicating a particularly safe neighbourhood. Speldhurst’s rate of 20.8 per 1,000 is also comparatively low. Royal Tunbridge Wells, however, experiences a considerably higher rate of 79.7 per 1,000, reflecting the increased challenges associated with a larger urban centre. Bullingstone reports a remarkably low crime rate of 0.0, highlighting an exceptionally safe environment. These comparisons underscore the diverse safety profiles within the Tunbridge Wells district.

Traditional CCTV provides a record of incidents, but often after they've occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats before they happen is another. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundary, and its DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. Pattern learning recognises familiar faces – deliveries, family members – minimising false alarms. If a potential threat is detected, scOS activates lights and speakers, creating an element of surprise that often deters burglars within those crucial first 60 seconds. The right security system isn't just about recording what happens; it’s about preventing it altogether.