Cambridge (Cambridge) Crime Rate

Cambridge (Cambridge) has a crime rate of 88.2 per 1,000 residents, 3.1% below the UK average. Yet, bicycle theft stands out as a stark contrast, occurring at 439% above the national rate. This highlights a complex safety profile: while the area is generally safer than average, specific risks—particularly for cyclists—demand attention. The surge in drug-related crimes (+125.5% YoY) adds another layer to the city’s evolving crime profile.

Cambridge (Cambridge) is a university town and major city in Cambridgeshire, characterised by a mix of academic institutions, historic buildings, and residential areas. Its high student population and proximity to retail and cultural hubs likely influence crime patterns, particularly in property-related offences. The area's compact layout and limited rural expanses contrast with nearby regions like Girton, which has a much lower crime rate. Economic factors, such as the presence of research institutions, may contribute to a generally stable but varied crime profile.

Cambridge (Cambridge) exhibits a complex crime profile, with bicycle theft standing out as the most extreme risk, 439% above the UK average (4.3 vs 0.8 per 1,000). This is likely driven by the city's reliance on cycling, with students and commuters frequently using bikes in crowded areas. Shoplifting is also elevated (13.6 vs 7.5 per 1,000), possibly linked to its retail centres and university campuses. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences are 23% below the UK average (24.8 vs 32.1 per 1,000), a trend that may reflect the city's generally orderly environment. The sharp rise in drug-related crimes (+125.5% YoY) suggests a growing challenge, tied to student populations or changes in drug distribution networks.

Crime in Cambridge (Cambridge) has remained stable (-5.0% YoY), with a notable exception: drug-related crimes have surged by 125.5% year-on-year, reaching 3.7 per 1,000. This sharp increase suggests a growing challenge, potentially linked to student populations or shifts in drug distribution networks. Meanwhile, bicycle theft has fallen by 25% YoY (4.3 vs 5.7 per 1,000), though it remains 439% above the UK average. The monthly trend shows a peak in July 2025 (8.8 per 1,000) and a low in February 2026 (6.1 per 1,000), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as tourism and university term patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Cambridge (Cambridge)

Given Cambridge (Cambridge)’s elevated bicycle theft rate (4.3 per 1,000), secure bike locks and use of campus storage facilities are essential. For shoplifting risks, avoid leaving valuables unattended in crowded areas. The area’s stable crime trend (-5.0% YoY) suggests that targeted precautions—such as using scOS’s AI monitoring for property—can further enhance safety. While the overall environment is VERY_SAFE, vigilance in high-risk zones remains key to mitigating local challenges.

Crime in Cambridge (Cambridge) shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with retail activity and student movements. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), likely due to reduced surveillance and parking in less populated areas. Anti-social behaviour is most frequent in the evening (6pm–12am), correlating with nightlife in the city centre. Burglary rates are highest at night, suggesting opportunistic intrusions in quieter residential areas. These patterns reflect the area's mix of daytime commercial activity and nighttime leisure, with crime often tied to human presence and environmental factors.

Compared to nearby areas, Cambridge (Cambridge) has a 3% higher crime rate than Teversham (85.5 per 1,000) and a 326% higher rate than Girton (20.7 per 1,000). Girton’s significantly lower rate may reflect its smaller, more rural character, while Teversham’s proximity to Cambridge likely contributes to its closer crime rate. These differences underscore how urban density and demographics influence local crime statistics.

For Cambridge (Cambridge) households, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle verification are critical for preventing property crime. With bicycle theft at 4.3 per 1,000—over five times the UK average—scOS’s real-time monitoring of high-risk zones can deter opportunistic thieves. Its AI evaluates loitering near homes and triggers automated deterrents, raising the risk for potential offenders. For an area where property is a clear target, scOS’s shift from passive recording to active deterrence offers a meaningful upgrade to traditional security systems.