Southborough Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southborough’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 31.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked improvement from previous months, though the data reveals uneven patterns across crime categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.9%) and criminal damage and arson (14.3%). The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—likely influenced these trends, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and violence. However, the area’s performance in certain categories diverges from national norms: while violent crime and anti-social behaviour are significantly below UK averages, criminal damage and arson exceed the UK rate by 36%, suggesting localised challenges in property crime prevention. This contrast underscores the need for targeted strategies to address specific vulnerabilities, even as the overall crime rate remains historically low. The built-up nature of Southborough, with its mix of residential and retail spaces, likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, with retail areas potentially more susceptible to shoplifting and other theft-related incidents during peak seasonal periods.

April 2024 marked sharp increases in shoplifting (+200%), robbery (+100%), and other theft (+50%), with shoplifting rising from one to three incidents—a threefold jump in a single month. These spikes may reflect seasonal factors, such as Easter-related retail activity or shifts in pedestrian traffic patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 66.7% (from nine to three), and burglary dropped by 60% (from five to two), possibly linked to increased foot patrols or seasonal changes in vehicle usage. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 39.3% of all crimes, though they remained 18% below the UK average. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson—though fewer in absolute terms—were 36% above the UK average, suggesting targeted vulnerabilities in property maintenance or enforcement. Residents should be particularly vigilant around retail areas, where shoplifting has surged, and consider securing vehicles during peak shopping periods.

Southborough's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, a 30.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.6 per 1,000. This decline reflects a broader trend of reduced criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up environment of Tunbridge Wells. Over the course of April, one crime was reported for every 189 residents, underscoring the relatively low exposure compared to national benchmarks. This monthly aggregate highlights that while the overall rate remains below the UK average, certain categories—such as criminal damage and arson—still exceed UK norms by 36%, suggesting localised vulnerabilities. The population context further illustrates that Southborough’s 10,560 residents face a crime profile that is both distinct and manageable, with the drop from March indicating potential improvements in policing or seasonal shifts in activity.