Cambridge Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 22.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure translates to a daily risk of 38 reported crimes, with one in every 161 residents experiencing a crime over the course of the month. The city's crime profile is shaped by its character as a university hub, where academic institutions, student populations, and a vibrant retail sector influence patterns. Violence and sexual offences (27.5% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (13.1%) dominate, reflecting the social dynamics of a densely populated academic and commercial area. Shoplifting, at 13.0% of total crimes, is a notable outlier, 63% above the UK average, likely driven by the high concentration of retail spaces in the city centre. Seasonal factors such as longer evenings and bank holidays in May may have contributed to increased socialising and associated risks, though the overall rate remains comfortably below the national benchmark. The balance between property crimes (515) and violent crimes (321) suggests a mixed profile, with property crimes slightly outnumbering violent incidents, a pattern consistent with urban centres where retail and public spaces generate specific vulnerabilities.

May 2023 saw a striking 85% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 40 to 74 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened outdoor activity linked to longer evenings and bank holidays. Burglary rates also surged by 44.4%, with 52 incidents reported, potentially tied to seasonal transitions and increased home occupancy during term time. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 52.9%, from 17 to 8, suggesting possible improvements in targeted prevention efforts. Shoplifting, at 151 incidents (0.8 per 1,000), stood 63% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 35% below average for criminal damage and arson. These variations illustrate how crime patterns can diverge by category, with retail areas facing unique challenges while other sectors show marked declines. For residents, the 63% disparity in shoplifting rates underscores the importance of vigilance in high-footfall zones.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2023 rose 8.9% from April's 5.7 per 1,000 to 6.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. Daily crime figures reveal 38 reported incidents per day on average, a figure that contextualises risk in everyday terms. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the scale of incidents relative to the population. Cambridge's rate remains 22.5% below the UK average, a consistent position that aligns with its status as a university city where community engagement and policing strategies may contribute to lower overall rates. However, the increase in vehicle crime (+85%) and burglary (+44.4%) suggests localized pressures that warrant attention. These figures, when viewed against the 187,642 residents, illustrate that while the area is generally safer than the UK average, specific vulnerabilities exist that could impact daily life.