Cambridge Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category of crime in Cambridge during December 2023, accounting for 29.6% of all reported incidents. This dominance reflects the city's unique characteristics as a university hub, where late-night activity, student populations, and a vibrant nightlife contribute to higher rates of such crimes. The overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents placed Cambridge 1.4% above the UK average of 7.2, a narrow margin that suggests the city's crime profile is broadly in line with national trends but with distinct local variations. Shoplifting, which accounted for 12.7% of all crimes, was particularly pronounced, with rates 84% above the UK average. This anomaly may be attributed to the city's dense retail presence, including the historic high street and university-related commercial areas, which create concentrated opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 11.1% of reported crimes, likely driven by the same factors that influence violence rates. Seasonal dynamics played a significant role in December, with Christmas shopping, extended party hours, and darker evenings potentially exacerbating certain crime types. However, the relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime—both below the UK average—suggest that the city's infrastructure, including secure housing and limited commuter parking, may act as mitigating factors. These patterns highlight the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific social and economic framework of Cambridge, where academic and commercial activity intersect to shape local crime trends.

December 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Criminal damage and arson surged by 36.5%, rising from 85 to 116 incidents, possibly linked to increased holiday-related vandalism or unoccupied properties. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 56.1%, dropping from 123 to 54 cases, a decline that may reflect reduced cycling during the winter months or heightened security measures. Other crime also rose sharply, with a 50% increase from 18 to 27 cases, an anomaly that could indicate underreported incidents or shifts in criminal activity patterns. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with rates 84% above the UK average, highlighting the challenge posed by retail areas in the city centre. Meanwhile, theft from the person decreased by 17.8%, due to increased public awareness or seasonal shopping habits. These shifts underscore the combination of local conditions and crime trends, with some categories aligning with national averages while others diverge significantly.

Cambridge's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, a 6.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as December often sees reduced foot traffic in some areas due to holiday closures. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 44 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the month's population density and the nature of local activity. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 138 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the city's population of 187,642. This figure is particularly useful for residents assessing risk relative to their daily routines, as it highlights that the majority of the population remains unaffected by crime on any given day. The reduction from November suggests a potential stabilisation in crime trends, though December's unique dynamics—such as empty homes during the holidays—may have contributed to shifts in crime distribution.