Cambridge (Cambridge) Crime Rate

The urban settlement of Cambridge (Cambridge) presents a safety profile that is slightly better than the national average. With an overall crime rate of 89.5 per 1,000 residents, it sits just below the UK average of 91.7, earning a safety score of 81/100. The area is also trending in a positive direction, with a 5.4% decrease in reported crime over the past year. As a major cultural and economic hub, the city's crime data is influenced by its high footfall and vibrant commercial districts. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the statistics for the Cambridge urban area, offering insights into the types of crime most prevalent and how they have changed over the recent 12-month period.

Crime Breakdown for Cambridge (Cambridge)

The urban settlement of Cambridge is primarily affected by violence and sexual offences, which make up 27.5% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common offence at 15.9%, followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 15.1%. These figures reflect the city's dual nature as a major retail destination and a vibrant centre for nightlife and academic life.

Property crime in the Cambridge urban area is notable, with a rate of 40.1 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the UK average of 32.3. This category includes shoplifting, burglary, vehicle crime, and the city's well-known issue with bicycle theft, which accounts for 5.4% of total crimes. Other theft (6.6%) and criminal damage (6.7%) also contribute to the property crime profile. For residents, the burglary rate of 3.0 per 1,000 and vehicle crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 represent consistent, though not extreme, risks. The high volume of theft-related offences suggests that opportunistic crime is a significant factor in the city's busier districts, making robust personal and property security a necessity for those living and working in the area.

The crime trend in the Cambridge urban area is currently decreasing, with a 5.4% drop in reported incidents year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 7.0 in December 2024 and peaked at 8.8 in July 2025. Other active months included March (8.0) and August (8.2), while February saw the lowest rate at 6.5. The year ended with a rate of 6.9 in November 2025, showing a slight overall decline from the start of the period. This downward trend is a positive indicator for the city, suggesting that crime prevention measures are effectively reducing the frequency of offences. For residents, this provides reassurance that despite the city's busy nature, the safety environment is steadily improving.

How To Keep Safe in Cambridge (Cambridge)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the Cambridge urban area. Given the city's busy streets and active nightlife, maintaining a high level of personal safety is recommended.

To stay safe in Cambridge:

• Stay alert when walking through the city centre, particularly in the late evening, and stick to well-lit, busy thoroughfares.
• Secure your bicycle with at least one high-quality D-lock and use designated cycle racks in well-monitored locations to prevent theft.
• When out in the evening, travel with friends and be aware of your surroundings in areas with high concentrations of bars and clubs.
• Ensure your home is clearly visible from the street and that all entry points are well-lit to deter opportunistic property crime.
• Report any suspicious activity or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Crime in the Cambridge urban area follows a clear temporal pattern. The morning and afternoon are heavily defined by theft, which accounts for 46% and 45% of crimes respectively. This highlights that daytime opportunistic theft is a major component of the city's crime profile. In the evening, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and other offences, which make up 55% of the activity. The night-time period sees a significant rise in vehicle crime, accounting for 28% of incidents between midnight and 6am. Burglary risk also peaks at night (15%) and in the afternoon (13%), indicating that properties are vulnerable both when residents are likely away and under the cover of darkness. These insights suggest that while theft is a constant daytime threat, property and vehicle security are particularly important during the night.

Within the local urban context, Cambridge (Cambridge) shows a similar crime profile to nearby Teversham, which has a rate of 88.1 per 1,000. However, it is significantly more active than the residential suburb of Girton, which boasts a much lower rate of 21.2 per 1,000. The contrast is even more pronounced when compared to the nearby villages of Fen Ditton and Grantchester, both of which reported no crimes during this period. These figures highlight Cambridge as the primary urban centre for activity in the immediate region, reflecting its higher population density and commercial importance compared to its quieter neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 40.1 per 1,000, residents of the Cambridge urban area face a higher risk of theft and burglary than the UK average. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive, only providing evidence after a crime has been committed. For those seeking real protection in Cambridge, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your home or business. The system can autonomously respond with lights or audio warnings, effectively deterring intruders. This is especially valuable in a city with high rates of shoplifting and bicycle theft, where opportunistic crime is frequent. scOS provides professional-grade, preventative security that focuses on stopping threats at the boundary, offering a level of intelligence and protection that reactive systems simply cannot match.