Cambridge Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

July 2023 saw Cambridge's crime rate at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, 4.8% below the UK average of 8.3. The most unexpected shift was the sharp rise in bicycle theft, which occurred at 0.5 per 1,000 — 400% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This spike contrasts with other categories where Cambridge performed better than the UK, such as violence and sexual offences (2.1 per 1,000, 24% below the UK average) and anti-social behaviour (1.1 per 1,000, 23% below the UK average). The area's profile as a university city and tourist destination likely contributes to this pattern, with increased cycling during summer months and festivals creating opportunities for theft. Shoplifting (1.1 per 1,000) remained a significant concern, accounting for 13.5% of all crimes, while public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) rose 29% above the UK average. Seasonal factors — including the peak of the university summer term, school holidays, and events like the Cambridge Science Festival — may have amplified activity in both retail and public spaces. The overall crime rate, however, reflects a consistent trend of Cambridge maintaining a safer profile than the UK average, despite the unexpected surge in bicycle theft.

July 2023 brought stark contrasts in Cambridge's crime profile. Bicycle theft surged to 90 incidents — a 25.6% drop from 121 in June but still 400% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect increased cycling during summer and events like the Cambridge Festival of Ideas, which draw large crowds. Meanwhile, theft from the person rose by 24.1% (29 to 36 cases), potentially linked to tourist activity in the city centre. Robbery fell sharply by 53.6% (from 28 to 13 cases), due to increased police visibility during festivals or seasonal changes in criminal opportunity. The city's violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) remained 24% below the UK average, with anti-social behaviour (1.1 per 1,000) also performing 23% better than the national benchmark. Shoplifting (1.1 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) saw mixed results: the former was 83% above the UK average, while the latter was 29% above. These figures suggest that while Cambridge's overall safety profile holds, targeted efforts to address specific issues like bicycle theft and shoplifting may be necessary as the city continues to attract visitors and students.

Cambridge's crime rate in July 2023 (7.9 per 1,000) marked a 10.9% decrease from June's 8.9 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing downward trend. This decline translates to roughly 48 crimes reported per day — a figure that, while significant, remains below the UK average for major urban areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable cities. Cambridge's population of 187,642 means that the 1,480 total crimes reported represent a relatively low proportion of the population compared to the UK average. This context is critical for residents: while the city's overall safety is strong, the 400% surge in bicycle theft highlights a specific vulnerability that may require targeted interventions. The drop from June's rate could partly reflect the end of the summer term, which may have reduced opportunities for certain types of crime, though the continued presence of festivals and tourism means the city's crime profile remains dynamic. Comparing Cambridge to the UK average shows a consistent pattern of lower rates for violent crimes and anti-social behaviour, but higher rates for property-related offences like shoplifting and bicycle theft — a duality that reflects the city's unique demographic and geographic characteristics.