Southborough Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 saw Southborough maintain a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This continued safety relative to national trends suggests effective local policing or community measures, though seasonal factors may play a role. The area’s crime profile remains dominated by violent crimes, with 27 incidents (45.8% of total) reported, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.0%) and criminal damage and arson (17.0%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for the same categories, where violence and sexual offences are slightly lower (2.6 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour significantly lower (1.4 per 1,000). However, criminal damage and arson in Southborough (1.0 per 1,000) is 59% higher than the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), indicating a localised challenge in this category. August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and empty homes, which might heighten burglary risks. Yet, burglary rates in Southborough remained low, with only one incident (0.1 per 1,000) reported, 71% below the UK average. This suggests that local property security measures, such as community watch schemes or robust locks, may be contributing to this trend. The mix of violent and property crimes also reflects Southborough’s character as a built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where high streets and residential zones may drive both anti-social behaviour and property-related incidents. The relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average underscores the area’s success in maintaining safety, though targeted interventions may still be needed for categories like criminal damage.

August 2023 marked a 4.8% decrease in Southborough’s crime rate compared to July, with the overall figure dropping from 5.9 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline was driven by reductions in public order offences (-50.0%), burglary (-50.0%), and other theft (-20.0%), indicating improved community policing or fewer incidents in public spaces. However, two categories saw notable increases: drugs-related crimes rose by 100.0% (from 1 to 2 incidents), and criminal damage and arson increased by 25.0% (from 8 to 10). These shifts suggest potential pressures in areas such as illicit drug activity or disputes over property. The area’s violent crime rate (2.6 per 1,000) is 2% below the UK average, consistent with broader trends in violence prevention. Conversely, criminal damage and arson in Southborough is 59% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may warrant investigation into local factors such as vandalism hotspots or community tensions. For residents, the 30.9% gap between Southborough’s rate and the UK average highlights the area’s relative safety, though the rise in criminal damage and arson underscores the need for targeted action in these specific incidents.

Southborough’s crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in August 2023 represents a 4.8% decrease from July’s 5.9, reflecting a sustained reduction in reported crimes. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly two crimes per day across the built-up area, a figure that remains lower than the UK average when scaled to population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 179 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK’s broader context. This statistic, while localised, provides residents with a tangible sense of safety: for every 180 people in Southborough, only one crime was reported in August. When compared to the UK’s overall crime rate, Southborough’s performance is striking, with its rate 30.9% below the national figure. This gap is particularly evident in categories like anti-social behaviour (31% below UK average) and vehicle crime (59% below UK average), which may be influenced by the area’s compact nature and community-focused policing. However, the 59% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average highlights a specific challenge. Residents may find the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-179 useful for understanding the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives, though the localised rise in certain categories warrants attention for targeted improvements.