Southborough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Southborough’s crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 marked a 39.1% deficit compared to the UK average of 6.4. This figure highlights a stark contrast with national trends, particularly in shoplifting, which stood at 0.2 per 1,000—66% below the UK average. The area’s crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.6%) and other theft (7.3%). These patterns may be influenced by Southborough’s character as a largely rural built-up area within Tunbridge Wells, where community cohesion and limited retail density could contribute to lower shoplifting rates. Seasonal context also plays a role: February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have reduced opportunities for public order crimes while increasing reliance on indoor spaces, amplifying domestic or anti-social disputes. Violent crime, though remaining below UK levels, rose 28.1% from January, suggesting a need for targeted interventions. The area’s overall safety profile, however, remains robust, with property crimes at 12 (29% below the UK average) and burglary at 2 (20% below). These figures, combined with the absence of significant increases in theft from the person or drugs-related crimes, indicate a crime picture shaped by local geography and seasonal rhythms.

February 2026 saw a 200% increase in vehicle crime, with incidents rising from one to three. This jump aligns with seasonal patterns, as colder weather may have driven more people to keep vehicles locked and secured, inadvertently making them targets. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, rising from three to six incidents, potentially linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity. Shoplifting, though remaining the lowest in the UK at 0.2 per 1,000, surged by 100% from zero to two incidents—a small but notable shift. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 50%, from two to one, due to reduced public gatherings during the winter. The area’s violent crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000, 31% below the UK average of 2.3, suggests a continued focus on community safety initiatives. Residents may find the 66% gap in shoplifting rates particularly noteworthy, as it reflects a unique local dynamic compared to national trends.

Southborough’s crime rate in February 2026 rose 28.1% from 3.0 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents compared to January, reflecting a shift in local patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the 28-day month, a figure consistent with the area’s historically low crime profile. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 258 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic underscores the area’s relatively safe environment, particularly when compared to larger urban centres. The population context—10,560 residents—means that even small fluctuations in crime numbers can have a measurable impact on local crime statistics. The rise in violence and sexual offences, though still below the UK average, suggests a need for continued vigilance in addressing specific community concerns.