Cambridge Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, 24% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This relatively low rate, despite a 5.2% month-on-month increase, underscores the city’s overall safety profile. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (294 incidents, 27.5% of total), shoplifting (179 incidents, 16.7%), and anti-social behaviour (124 incidents, 11.6%). These figures align with the area’s characteristics as a university city, where retail activity and student populations contribute to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of April, marked by Easter and springtime, likely influenced the rise in shoplifting, as increased foot traffic in high-street areas may have created opportunities for theft. Violence and sexual offences, while still significant, were 38% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the city’s lower population density and community-focused policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, was 41% below the UK average, due to the city’s well-maintained public spaces and active local initiatives. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting and robbery raises questions about the effectiveness of current prevention strategies during peak seasonal periods. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions in retail areas, where shoplifting is both a local and national concern. While Cambridge remains safer than the UK average, the month’s trends indicate that crime patterns are not static and may shift with seasonal and demographic factors.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in robbery, drugs, and shoplifting, with robbery rising by 88.9% (9 to 17 incidents) and shoplifting climbing 57% (114 to 179). These spikes contrast with decreases in vehicle crime (down 50%) and burglary (down 18.2%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. Shoplifting, now at 1.0 per 1,000 residents, is 108% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, a stark outlier in the crime breakdown. Bicycle theft, at 0.4 per 1,000, is 471% above the UK average, a figure likely tied to the city’s student population and high bicycle usage. Residents should be particularly aware of the 57% surge in shoplifting, which may reflect increased foot traffic during the Easter period and spring shopping season. The rise in drug-related offences, up 72.2% to 31 incidents, also signals a notable trend that warrants further monitoring.

Cambridge’s crime rate in April 2023 rose slightly to 5.7 per 1,000 residents, a 5.2% increase from the previous month’s 5.4 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 36 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 175 residents, a measure that contextualises the monthly exposure for Cambridge’s population of 187,642. While the overall rate remains 24% below the UK average, the month-on-month rise highlights fluctuations in local patterns. The daily crime count, though consistent with historical trends, serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant. The population-scaled perspective shows that while Cambridge is generally safer than the UK average, short-term increases in specific crime types warrant attention. This data aligns with the seasonal context of April, a time of increased foot traffic and outdoor activity, which may influence crime dynamics in a university city with a high student population.