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 per-capita risk that is lower than the national benchmark, reflecting the city's unique characteristics as a major academic and research hub. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (27.5% of all reported crimes), anti-social behaviour (13.1%), and shoplifting (13.0%), each of which presents a distinct risk profile for residents. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.7 per 1,000, were 39% below the UK average, a pattern consistent with Cambridge's relatively stable social environment and strong community networks. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 40% below the UK average, likely influenced by the city's mix of student and professional populations, which may foster a more cohesive public sphere. However, shoplifting—driven by the city's high concentration of retail outlets—remained 63% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may be partially explained by the transient nature of student and commuter populations. The seasonal context of May, with its longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may have contributed to a rise in public order offences (11.2% of total crimes). This interplay of factors—academic infrastructure, retail density, and seasonal activity—shapes Cambridge's crime profile in ways that diverge from both urban and rural counterparts.

May 2023 saw a significant spike in vehicle crime, surging 85% to 74 incidents—a jump from 40 in April. This increase may partly explain the broader property crime trend, as vehicle-related offences now constitute 6.4% of all reported crimes. Conversely, robbery fell 52.9% to 8 incidents, the lowest recorded rate for this category in the data set, with a UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. The most striking deviation from national norms was bicycle theft, which remained 275% above the UK average (0.1 per 1,000) despite a 24.2% decrease from 66 to 50 incidents. This suggests a persistent issue linked to the city's cycling infrastructure and population density. Meanwhile, shoplifting—driven by the city's retail presence—remained 63% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), illustrating a unique challenge for Cambridge's high streets. These shifts highlight how local factors, such as the city's academic and commuter demographics, can skew crime patterns compared to national averages.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2023 rose 8.9% from 5.7 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents compared to April, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, 38 crimes were reported each day across the built-up area, a figure that contextualises risk in local terms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Cambridge among the safer large urban areas in the UK. This statistic, while seemingly abstract, translates to a tangible reality: a resident has a 1-in-161 chance of being directly affected by a crime in any given month. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Cambridge's lower-than-average violent crime rates—particularly for violence and sexual offences, which are 39% below the UK average—contribute to this reduced exposure. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime (+85%) and the persistent elevation in bicycle theft (275% above the UK average) suggest targeted vulnerabilities that may require focused local interventions.