Southborough Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw a marked shift in Southborough's crime profile, with the most dramatic month-on-month change being a 51.6% reduction in violence and sexual offences. This decline, from 31 incidents in October to 15 in November, contrasts with a 100% rise in burglary and public order offences. The area's overall crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents places it 52.6% below the UK average of 7.6, a disparity consistent with Southborough's character as a low-density built-up area within Tunbridge Wells. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.5% of all crimes, followed by 'other crime' at 13.2% and anti-social behaviour at 10.5%. These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of late autumn, when darker evenings and the approach of Bonfire Night may influence public behaviour and policing priorities. The drop in violent crime could reflect the end of term-time activity. Meanwhile, 'other crime'—a category that includes fraud and cybercrime—surpassed the UK average by 194%, highlighting the growing relevance of non-traditional crime types in this area. This divergence from national trends underscores the need for tailored local analysis rather than broad generalisations.

The most striking month-on-month shift was the 51.6% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 31 to 15 incidents. This drop, though significant, may be partly explained by the conclusion of university term-time activity in the area. Conversely, burglary and public order offences both saw 100% increases, with the latter category rising from zero to four incidents. This uptick in public order offences could be linked to the timing of Bonfire Night events, though no direct correlation is confirmed by the data. 'Other crime'—which includes cybercrime and fraud—remained 194% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 64% shortfall in anti-social behaviour. The category's elevated rate highlights a growing divergence in crime patterns between Southborough and national trends. For residents, the 100% increase in burglary is a tangible concern, as it represents a doubling of incidents in a single month. This spike, while not unprecedented, warrants attention from local authorities and community groups. The simultaneous 66.7% drop in drug-related crimes—from three to one incident—adds complexity to the picture, suggesting shifting patterns in illicit activity that require further analysis.

Southborough's crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents in November 2024 marks a 26.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.9, reflecting a continuing trend of declining violence. This reduction positions the area as safer than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in November, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 278 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while low, should be viewed alongside the population-scaled perspective: with 10,560 residents, the area's crime volume remains proportionally minimal. The 52.6% gap between Southborough's rate and the UK average suggests that local factors—such as the area's commuter-oriented demographics and proximity to Tunbridge Wells' broader infrastructure—play a role in maintaining lower crime levels. The 100% increase in burglary, however, introduces an anomaly that challenges this pattern. This spike, though small in absolute terms, raises questions about potential vulnerabilities in property security that may warrant targeted interventions. The comparison to the previous month also reveals that while overall crime has decreased, certain categories have seen unexpected fluctuations, underscoring the need for nuanced interpretation of the data.