Cambridge Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in August 2023 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1. The city’s criminal profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (24.8% of all crimes), anti-social behaviour (13.3%), and shoplifting (10.3%), reflecting a mix of urban and academic influences. The seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—may have contributed to shifts in crime patterns, though burglary rates fell by 12% compared to July, possibly due to increased home security measures during the summer. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category, were 24% below the UK average, a figure that may be attributable to Cambridge’s relatively safe community environment and strong local policing. Anti-social behaviour also showed a significant gap from the UK average, linked to the city’s youth population and university presence. However, the rise in vehicle crime and theft from the person highlights vulnerabilities tied to increased traffic and tourist activity. These trends underscore the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and crime prevention strategies, requiring ongoing attention to ensure Cambridge remains a safe place to live and visit.

August 2023 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+90.9%), robbery (+76.9%), and theft from the person (+52.8%), marking a stark contrast to declines in shoplifting (-23.5%) and public order offences (-22.0%). These shifts suggest a potential reallocation of criminal activity, possibly linked to summer travel patterns or increased vehicle movement in the city. Vehicle crime in Cambridge is 43% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the city’s dense road network and tourist traffic. Bicycle theft, already 567% above the UK average, remains a persistent issue, likely tied to the large student population. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s decline may indicate seasonal changes in retail footfall or more effective policing in high-traffic areas. For residents, the rise in vehicle crime highlights the need for heightened awareness around car security during peak holiday months.

Cambridge’s crime rate in August 2023 remained stable compared to July, with a 0.1% change, indicating little fluctuation in overall criminal activity. Locally, 48 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that reflects the area’s population density and the mix of urban and academic environments. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the city’s population of 187,642. This figure is particularly useful for residents assessing their personal risk, as it shows that the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low compared to the UK average. Cambridge’s proximity to major transport hubs and its status as a university city may contribute to patterns such as bicycle theft and vehicle crime, though the monthly stability suggests consistent policing efforts and community engagement in crime prevention.