Cambridge Crime Rate

Cambridge’s crime profile is defined by an extreme overrepresentation of bicycle theft—568% above the UK average. With a crime rate of 108.3 per 1,000 residents, the city is 19% above the UK average, yet its safety score of 77/100 ranks it as VERY_SAFE. The sharp rise in drug-related offences (+126% YoY) contrasts with declining rates for burglary and theft from the person, highlighting shifting patterns in criminal activity.

Cambridge, a historic university city with a population of over 149,000, presents a unique crime profile shaped by its academic and tourist demographics. The high rate of bicycle theft (568% above UK average) likely reflects the large student population and the city’s reliance on cycling for commuting. Retail centres such as the Market Square and Castle Hill may contribute to elevated shoplifting rates (128% above UK average), driven by foot traffic and the presence of both students and tourists. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than other UK cities, remains a concern in densely populated areas like the city centre and Stourbridge. Cambridge’s mix of urban and rural sub-areas—such as Rural Cambridge, which has a crime rate 91% lower than the city average—highlights the impact of urban density on crime patterns, with more isolated areas experiencing fewer property-related incidents.

The most striking finding in Cambridge’s crime data is the extreme overrepresentation of bicycle theft, which occurs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents—more than seven times the UK average of 0.8. This is likely tied to the city’s status as a major university hub, where thousands of students and staff cycle daily, often leaving bikes unsecured in crowded areas. Shoplifting, at 17.1 per 1,000 (128% above UK average), may be exacerbated by the high turnover of transient populations in retail zones. While property crime overall is 49.1% above the UK average, vehicle crime (4.0 per 1,000) is slightly below the national rate, possibly due to improved parking security in central areas. The sharp rise in drug-related offences (+126% YoY) may reflect increased demand in student areas or changes in policing focus. Burglary and theft from the person, though above UK averages, have seen significant declines, suggesting that local initiatives or improved awareness are beginning to make an impact.

Crime in Cambridge has decreased by 5.7% year-on-year, with notable declines in burglary (-21%), public order (-18%), and bicycle theft (-26%). However, drug-related offences have surged by 126.4% YoY, a sharp increase that may be linked to university term patterns or changes in policing focus. Monthly data shows a peak in July 2025 (10.9 per 1,000) and a trough in February 2026 (7.4 per 1,000), likely influenced by longer evenings, tourism season, and reduced activity during winter months.

Cambridge’s crime rate (108.3 per 1,000) is 93% higher than South Cambridgeshire (56.1) and 89% higher than East Cambridgeshire (57.4). This disparity likely reflects Cambridge’s urban density and academic population, which contribute to higher rates of property crime and anti-social behaviour. In contrast, rural areas like Rural Cambridge (56.8 per 1,000) have crime rates 91% lower than the city average, illustrating the impact of isolation on crime patterns.

For Cambridge residents facing above-average property crime, scOS offers tailored security solutions. Bicycle theft, occurring at 5.3 per 1,000 (568% above UK average), is a critical concern, scOS addresses this with AI-powered boundary detection that identifies unsecured bikes near property perimeters and triggers automated deterrents. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification feature also helps flag suspicious vehicles, a useful tool in areas with high vehicle crime rates. By learning household patterns, scOS distinguishes regular users from potential offenders, reducing false alarms while maintaining coverage. Cameras connect via ethernet, ensuring reliability, and a dedicated Architect configures the system remotely. At £19/month, this technology provides proactive protection against Cambridge’s unique crime challenges.

How To Keep Safe in Cambridge

To mitigate risks in Cambridge, secure bicycles with high-quality locks and store them in designated, well-lit areas—bicycle theft is 568% above the UK average. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in retail zones like the Market Square, where shoplifting is 128% above the national rate. For property security, consider AI-powered systems like scOS, which detects unsecured bikes and suspicious vehicles. Residents should also be cautious of drug-related activity, which has surged by 126% YoY, particularly in student-heavy areas. Community vigilance in public spaces and reporting suspicious behaviour can help maintain Cambridge’s safety rating.