Cambridge Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's November 2023 crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places it 2.7% above the UK average, reflecting the dynamic nature of a major urban centre with a significant academic population. The most prevalent crime type, violence and sexual offences (25.2% of total), declined by 11.6% compared to the previous month, a shift that may be partly explained by the earlier onset of dark evenings and reduced public space usage during November. Shoplifting, however, remained a persistent concern, with a rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents—100% above the UK average—likely driven by Black Friday shopping activity in the city's high streets. Anti-social behaviour (10.2% of total) also remained a significant issue, though its rate was 24% below the UK average, possibly due to the city's strong community policing initiatives. The seasonal context of November, marked by Bonfire Night and the start of the festive shopping period, may have contributed to fluctuations in certain crime categories. While violence and sexual offences saw a notable decrease, other property-related crimes, such as bicycle theft (775% above UK average), highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities in the area's infrastructure. These patterns underscore the combination of local demographics, seasonal events, and crime dynamics in Cambridge.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in drug-related crimes, which jumped 150% from 18 to 45 incidents. This leap, while unexplained by the data, may reflect seasonal pressures or targeted enforcement efforts. Concurrently, vehicle crime rose 57.1% (49 to 77), potentially linked to increased parking activity during the festive season. In contrast, violence and sexual offences fell by 11.6% (413 to 365), a decline consistent with the shorter evenings and reduced public space usage typical of November. Shoplifting remained high, with a rate 100% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.6 per 1,000), likely driven by Black Friday shopping activity. Bicycle theft, at 775% above the UK average (0.7 vs 0.1 per 1,000), highlights the vulnerability of the university population's cycling infrastructure to theft, a persistent challenge for the area.

Cambridge's November 2023 crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 3.6% increase from the previous month's 7.5 per 1,000. This translates to approximately 48 crimes reported daily, a figure that reflects the built-up area's density and activity levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. While this rate is marginally higher than the previous month, it remains within the broader UK average range. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Cambridge's crime profile, though slightly elevated, aligns with the expected patterns for a major urban centre with a mix of academic, commercial, and residential zones. The daily crime count, while consistent with historical trends, underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of local hotspots and seasonal fluctuations.