Southborough Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southborough’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000, 35.2% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area’s consistently lower crime profile, a trend likely shaped by its semi-rural character and limited high-traffic commercial zones. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.5% of all crimes, with 18 incidents reported—1.7 per 1,000 residents, 32% below the UK average. This category’s decline from January, despite remaining below the national average, may reflect seasonal factors, as February’s low outdoor activity typically reduces opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, vehicle crime emerged as a significant outlier, at 0.9 per 1,000 (18.8% of total crimes), 105% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This anomaly could be linked to the area’s commuter infrastructure, where parked vehicles may present vulnerable targets during winter months when visibility and lighting conditions are reduced. Anti-social behaviour, another notable category, occurred at 0.8 per 1,000, 24% below the UK average, suggesting that community engagement efforts may be effectively mitigating such incidents. The overall crime mix reflects a balance between property and violent crimes, with property crimes (19 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (18). This distribution aligns with the area’s profile as a built-up district within Tunbridge Wells, where retail and residential zones coexist but do not drive the high levels of shoplifting or burglary seen in larger urban centres. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may also contribute to the relatively low levels of public order offences and anti-social behaviour, though the 100% increase in bicycle theft highlights a potential vulnerability in local cycling infrastructure or security practices. These patterns illustrate the combination of geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms that shape Southborough’s crime profile.

February 2024 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, shoplifting, and robbery compared to January, with each of these crimes rising from zero to one or two incidents. This sharp rise in vehicle-related crimes—now 0.9 per 1,000, 105% above the UK average—contrasts with a 50% decrease in other theft and public order offences. The reduction in violent crimes, down 18.2% from 22 to 18 incidents, suggests a shift in criminal focus, though the rate remains 32% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. The area’s vehicle crime rate is a stark outlier, potentially influenced by the presence of commuter parking zones or seasonal changes in vehicle usage. For residents, the 50% drop in public order offences—now 1 incident for every 1,000 residents—may indicate improved community policing or a natural seasonal dip in alcohol-related incidents.

Southborough's crime rate in February 2024 rose 6.8% compared to January's 4.3 per 1,000, reaching 4.6 per 1,000. This upward trend, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when reduced outdoor activity may concentrate criminal opportunities in specific areas. Daily crime figures show 2 incidents reported per day across Southborough’s 10,560 residents, translating to roughly one crime for every 220 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, but the increase from January suggests a shift in criminal behaviour during the pre-spring lull. The population context highlights that Southborough’s lower crime rate—35.2% below the UK average—reflects a combination of local factors, including the area’s semi-rural character and limited high-traffic commercial zones. However, the rise in specific crime types, such as vehicle crime, indicates that targeted interventions may need to adapt to evolving patterns.