Cambridge Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bicycle theft in Cambridge during February 2023 was 400% above the UK average, an outlier that stands in stark contrast to the city’s overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents—23.2% below the UK’s 6.9. This discrepancy highlights the unique dynamics of a university city, where student populations and cycling infrastructure may contribute to such anomalies. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.0% of total), anti-social behaviour (12.2%), and shoplifting (9.7%). These figures align with patterns seen in academic hubs, where anti-social behaviour often spikes during term time and retail areas see higher shoplifting rates. Seasonal factors also played a role: February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, saw lower property crime rates compared to busier periods. The city’s low burglary rate (4.3% of total) and significantly lower rates for criminal damage (29% below UK average) and public order offences (12% below) suggest effective community policing and strong local engagement. Cambridge’s crime profile reflects a balance between academic influences and the city’s efforts to maintain safety, though the stark bicycle theft figure underscores a specific challenge that warrants targeted attention.

February 2023 saw a notable 400% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average, a category that accounted for 6.0% of all crimes in Cambridge. This spike, despite the city’s overall lower crime rate, may be linked to the high density of students and cyclists in the area. Meanwhile, shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.5 per 1,000) both exceeded UK averages by 14% and 11%, respectively—likely driven by retail activity and the presence of commuter parking zones. Conversely, violence and sexual offences (1.4 per 1,000) were 43% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Cambridge’s relatively low levels of violent crime compared to other urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.6 per 1,000, was 38% below the UK rate, potentially reflecting the city’s community-focused initiatives and the transient nature of student populations. For residents, the standout figure is the bicycle theft rate: with 59 incidents reported, it is crucial to consider secure storage options and campus safety programmes as potential mitigations.

Cambridge’s crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 in February 2023 places it well below the UK average, with a 23.2% gap that translates to a safer environment for residents compared to the national picture. On a daily basis, the city experienced an average of 35 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, is distributed across a population of 187,642 people. This equates to one reported crime for every 190 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable urban areas. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge’s crime levels are proportionally lower, suggesting effective policing and community engagement strategies. However, the stark contrast in bicycle theft rates—400% above the UK average—highlights a specific vulnerability in the city’s crime profile. For residents, understanding these figures in context is essential: while the overall environment is safer, targeted measures may be required for high-risk categories like bicycle theft. The city’s performance in reducing violent and anti-social crimes further underscores the importance of maintaining these efforts, even as unique challenges like cycling-related theft emerge.