Cambridge Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Cambridge

Cambridge, with a population of 149,352, reports an overall crime rate of 110.1 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is higher than the national UK average of 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. Despite this, Cambridge holds a safety score of 77 out of 100, which is comparable to the UK average safety score of 78, suggesting that while the volume of crime is higher, the severity or perception of safety remains relatively strong. Encouragingly, the city has seen a positive trend, with overall crime decreasing by 6.5% year-on-year. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed examination of crime types, trends, and local comparisons within Cambridge.

About Cambridge

Cambridge is a renowned university city, characterised by its historic architecture, vibrant academic community, and significant contribution to science and technology. As an urban centre, it attracts a large transient population, including students, academics, and tourists, which can influence local crime statistics. The city's bustling commercial areas, extensive nightlife around the city centre, and status as a major transport hub contribute to a dynamic environment. While these factors foster a rich cultural and economic landscape, they can also present opportunities for certain types of crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour, particularly in crowded public spaces or during peak activity times. The combination of a dense population and a continuous influx of visitors shapes the unique crime profile observed in Cambridge.

Crime Type Analysis in Cambridge

An analysis of crime types in Cambridge reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most significant category, accounting for 27.1% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 29.9 per 1,000 residents. Following this, 'Shoplifting' is the second most prevalent offence at 16.6% (18.3 per 1,000), reflecting the city's active retail environment. 'Anti-social behaviour' ranks third, making up 15.3% of reported incidents (16.9 per 1,000), often associated with public spaces and nightlife.

Property-related crime in Cambridge, which encompasses burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage and arson, presents a notable concern with a rate of 50.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific components include 'Other theft' (7.5 per 1,000), 'Criminal damage and arson' (7.5 per 1,000), 'Bicycle theft' (6.4 per 1,000), 'Vehicle crime' (4.0 per 1,000), and 'Burglary' (3.7 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of securing personal belongings and properties, particularly in areas prone to retail activity and public gatherings, and ensuring robust home and vehicle security measures are in place.

Crime Trend Analysis in Cambridge

Cambridge has experienced a positive shift in its crime landscape, with overall crime decreasing by 6.5% year-over-year. This downward trend indicates an improvement in safety over the past twelve months. Examining the monthly crime rate data (per 1,000 residents) reveals fluctuations, but with a general decline. For instance, after a rate of 9.2 in October 2024, there was a dip to 8.3 in November before rising slightly to 9.0 in January 2025. A notable low was observed in February 2025 at 8.0, followed by a peak in July 2025 at 10.9, suggesting seasonal variations or specific events influencing crime. The rate then eased to 8.6 by September 2025. This overall decreasing trend offers reassurance to residents, indicating that efforts to reduce crime are having an impact, although vigilance remains important, especially during periods of higher activity such as the summer months.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Cambridge's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire, typically more rural or suburban, often present different crime profiles, potentially with lower overall rates but perhaps specific rural crimes. Huntingdonshire, another district in Cambridgeshire, will also have its own unique set of challenges and crime patterns, influenced by its population density and economic activities. Further afield, Uttlesford in Essex and North Hertfordshire in Hertfordshire offer additional comparisons, often reflecting characteristics of market towns and commuter belts. West Suffolk, to the east, provides another lens through which to view regional safety. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and prospective movers gauge Cambridge's safety within the broader regional context, noting that urban centres like Cambridge naturally have different crime dynamics than their less densely populated neighbours.

Home Security and Crime Prevention

Given Cambridge's property crime rate of 50.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average, proactive home security measures are paramount for residents. While traditional CCTV systems can provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it happens. This distinction between reactive recording and proactive prevention is crucial.

For those seeking robust protection, advanced solutions like an AI-powered home security operating system offer a significant advantage. Instead of merely documenting an incident, such systems are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, acting as a powerful deterrent. By watching all cameras simultaneously, learning your routines, and autonomously responding with lights and speakers, these systems destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed; visible, professional-grade deterrence makes them move on. While DIY systems have their place, professional systems offer a different level of security, ensuring your property is genuinely protected, not just monitored.