Groombridge Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Groombridge

Groombridge, a built-up area within Wealden with a population of 1,743, reports an overall crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is exceptionally low, positioning Groombridge as a significantly safer community when compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 92 out of 100, well above the UK average safety score of 78. Property crime in Groombridge stands at 9.2 per 1,000 people, considerably below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. However, recent trends indicate an increasing pattern in crime, with a 14.3% rise year-over-year. This report provides a detailed overview of crime types, temporal patterns, and local comparisons to better understand safety in Groombridge.

Crime Type Analysis in Groombridge

An examination of crime types in Groombridge reveals 'Violence and sexual offences' as the most common category, accounting for a significant 50.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 13.8 per 1,000 people. This is followed by 'Other theft', which makes up 16.7% of offences (4.6 per 1,000), and 'Criminal damage and arson', representing 6.2% of the total with 1.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. These top three categories highlight prevalent concerns within the community, particularly regarding personal safety and property security.

Property-related crime in Groombridge, encompassing burglary, criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, and other theft, is recorded at 9.2 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that residents and homeowners in Groombridge face a significantly reduced risk of property-specific offences. Despite the lower rates, understanding these statistics encourages continued vigilance and the adoption of effective security measures to protect homes and valuables, especially given the notable presence of other theft and vehicle crime.

Crime Trends in Groombridge

Groombridge has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 14.3% rise in overall crime year-over-year. This indicates a notable upward shift in reported incidents within the built-up area. Examination of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals a fluctuating pattern over the past year. The crime rate was 2.9 in October 2024, rising to 4.0 in November 2024, before a dip to 0.6 in March 2025. Following this, there was an upward trend through spring and summer, peaking at 2.9 in October 2024, December 2024, August 2025 and September 2025. The rate then saw a low of 0.6 in July 2025.

This trend suggests that while there is a general increase, crime activity can be seasonal, with higher rates often observed during certain months. For Groombridge residents, this means a need for heightened awareness and security considerations, particularly during periods when crime has historically shown a rise. Understanding these monthly patterns can inform personal safety and property protection strategies.

Time Patterns of Crime in Groombridge

Crime in Groombridge exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle, influenced by daily routines and opportunities. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 69% of crimes, alongside 9% vehicle crime and 8% burglary. This suggests activity as residents leave for work and properties may be vulnerable. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft at 72% and an increase in burglary to 13%, likely coinciding with busy periods and unattended homes.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts; theft reduces to 39%, with vehicle crime at 13% and burglary remaining high at 17%. This period often correlates with increased social activity. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime significantly rises to 34%, with theft at 21% and burglary at 22%. These hours, when properties are often unoccupied or residents are asleep, present opportunities for nocturnal property crimes. Understanding these time-based variations can help residents adjust their security practices accordingly.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a local context, Groombridge's crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000 people positions it as an exceptionally safe area when compared to neighbouring built-up areas. While specific crime rates for each adjacent location are not detailed here, Groombridge generally maintains a significantly lower crime profile than many comparable settlements in the region. Nearby areas such as Fordcombe, Rusthall and Langton Green, Bullingstone, and Hartfield offer a diverse local environment, each with their own unique characteristics that influence crime statistics.

This comparison is valuable for residents, offering insight into how Groombridge's safety profile stands in relation to its immediate neighbours. It helps to contextualise the local crime statistics, enabling a more informed understanding of the area's relative security and potential regional influences on crime patterns, reinforcing Groombridge's reputation as a secure place to live.

Enhancing Your Security in Groombridge

Despite Groombridge's excellent safety score and exceptionally low property crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 people, adopting proactive home and property security measures remains a wise decision. Traditional security systems often only record a crime in progress, offering little in the way of actual deterrence or prevention. For comprehensive protection, residents should consider solutions that actively prevent incidents.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS provide a significant advancement by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they can cause harm. These systems utilise multi-camera intelligence to ensure constant vigilance, and features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning help to accurately identify threats while ignoring routine activities. With an autonomous response that activates lights and speakers, scOS creates a powerful deterrent, disrupting an intruder's plans within seconds. This professional-grade, proactive approach is a stark contrast to reactive systems, offering Groombridge residents superior peace of mind by actively preventing crime rather than merely documenting it.