Crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells: statistics, rates and trends
4,213 crimes were recorded in Royal Tunbridge Wells in the 12 months to July 2026, 79.4 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 2% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells at a glance
- Crime trends in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Types of crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Royal Tunbridge Wells compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Streets with the most crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- What happened after crimes were reported in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Population and deprivation in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Questions about crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells
- About this data
4,213 crimes were recorded in Royal Tunbridge Wells in the 12 months to July 2026, 79.4 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 2% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 1,346 reports (32% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Royal Tunbridge Wells has the 630th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Royal Tunbridge Wells | Tunbridge Wells | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 4,213 | 8,081 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 79.4 | 67.5 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -2% | +1% | -1% |
| Population | 53,052 | 119,694 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells was highest in the year to July 2018 (5,497 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (4,213). Over the whole period it fell 23%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 4,213 | 79.4 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 4,286 | 80.8 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 4,985 | 94.0 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 4,765 | 89.8 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 4,720 | 89.0 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 4,833 | 91.1 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 5,388 | 101.6 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 5,214 | 98.3 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 5,497 | 103.6 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 405 |
| June 2026 | 343 |
| May 2026 | 311 |
| April 2026 | 345 |
| March 2026 | 306 |
| February 2026 | 331 |
| January 2026 | 371 |
| December 2025 | 359 |
| November 2025 | 355 |
| October 2025 | 360 |
| September 2025 | 340 |
| August 2025 | 387 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Royal Tunbridge Wells over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for shoplifting.
The largest increases were in robbery (+64%) and bicycle theft (+50%). The largest falls were in public order (-18%) and vehicle crime (-17%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 1,346 | 25.4 | 0.74 | -11% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 875 | 16.5 | 1.08 | +24% |
| Shoplifting | 564 | 10.6 | 1.28 | -9% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 373 | 7.0 | 1.04 | +13% |
| Other theft | 284 | 5.4 | 0.84 | -1% |
| Public order | 191 | 3.6 | 0.54 | -18% |
| Vehicle crime | 133 | 2.5 | 0.51 | -17% |
| Drugs | 123 | 2.3 | 0.71 | +10% |
| Burglary | 98 | 1.8 | 0.52 | -17% |
| Other crime | 94 | 1.8 | 0.84 | -12% |
| Possession of weapons | 43 | 0.8 | 0.83 | +30% |
| Robbery | 36 | 0.7 | 0.50 | +64% |
| Bicycle theft | 33 | 0.6 | 0.76 | +50% |
| Theft from the person | 20 | 0.4 | 0.22 | +11% |
Violence and sexual offences in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 1,346 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (25.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and down 11% on the year before. It made up 31.9% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 875 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (16.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 24% on the year before. It made up 20.8% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 564 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (10.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 9% on the year before. It made up 13.4% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 373 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.0 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and up 13% on the year before. It made up 8.9% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 284 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 6.7% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 191 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 18% on the year before. It made up 4.5% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 133 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 17% on the year before. It made up 3.2% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 123 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.3 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and up 10% on the year before. It made up 2.9% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 98 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 17% on the year before. It made up 2.3% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 94 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 12% on the year before. It made up 2.2% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 43 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 30% on the year before. It made up 1.0% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 36 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 64% on the year before. It made up 0.9% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 33 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 50% on the year before. It made up 0.8% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 20 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and up 11% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Royal Tunbridge Wells, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
| Town | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Royal Tunbridge Wells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southborough | 511 | 47.2 | -41% |
| Rusthall and Langton Green | 406 | 50.8 | -36% |
| Pembury | 479 | 82.5 | +4% |
| Tonbridge | 2,983 | 77.8 | -2% |
| Paddock Wood | 841 | 89.8 | +13% |
| Crowborough | 930 | 43.9 | -45% |
| Edenbridge | 758 | 93.9 | +18% |
| Sevenoaks | 1,585 | 57.7 | -27% |
6 areas within Royal Tunbridge Wells, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Park had the highest rate (117.9 per 1,000) and St John's the lowest (39.0). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Neighbourhood | 7,599 | 896 | 117.9 |
| Culverden | Neighbourhood | 8,635 | 786 | 91.0 |
| Sherwood | Neighbourhood | 11,446 | 1,028 | 89.8 |
| Pantiles | Neighbourhood | 9,711 | 726 | 74.8 |
| St James' | Neighbourhood | 8,548 | 456 | 53.3 |
| St John's | Neighbourhood | 5,720 | 223 | 39.0 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Royal Tunbridge Wells over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Shopping Area | 359 |
| On or near Parking Area | 345 |
| On or near Newton Road | 119 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 113 |
| On or near Linden Park Road | 107 |
| On or near Supermarket | 95 |
| On or near Monson Road | 80 |
| On or near High Street | 66 |
| On or near Grosvenor Road | 59 |
| On or near Sherwood Way | 49 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Royal Tunbridge Wells over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 1,295 | 30.7% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 1,057 | 25.1% |
| Not recorded | 875 | 20.8% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 288 | 6.8% |
| Under investigation | 227 | 5.4% |
| Court result unavailable | 152 | 3.6% |
| Local resolution | 96 | 2.3% |
| Status update unavailable | 77 | 1.8% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 66 | 1.6% |
| Offender given a caution | 39 | 0.9% |
| Further action is not in the public interest | 31 | 0.7% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 6 | 0.1% |
Royal Tunbridge Wells has an estimated population of 53,052. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Royal Tunbridge Wells sits in decile 7.5, less deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Royal Tunbridge Wells |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 20.4% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 62.9% |
| Aged 65 and over | 16.7% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 61.0% |
| Social rented homes | 13.8% |
| Private rented homes | 25.2% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 7.5 |
Is Royal Tunbridge Wells a safe place to live?
Royal Tunbridge Wells recorded 79.4 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 1,346 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (875).
Is crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells going up or down?
Recorded crime in Royal Tunbridge Wells was down 2% on the year before: 4,213 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 4,286 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Royal Tunbridge Wells?
Royal Tunbridge Wells is policed by Kent. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Royal Tunbridge Wells. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.