Cambridge Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.7% above the UK average. This figure, though marginally higher than the national benchmark, reflects the city's unique demographic and geographic profile as a major university hub. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (25.2% of total incidents), shoplifting (14.4%), and anti-social behaviour (10.2%). These patterns align with the city's character: high concentrations of students and academic institutions likely contribute to elevated rates of bicycle theft (775% above UK average) and shoplifting, while the presence of nightlife venues may explain the relatively high proportion of violence and sexual offences. Seasonal factors also played a role, with the transition to darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping potentially influencing crime trends. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000) was 23% below Cambridge's rate, a discrepancy that may be attributed to the city's higher population density and the concentration of social spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting and bicycle theft were significantly above UK averages, underscoring the impact of Cambridge's retail and academic ecosystems on local crime dynamics. These findings illustrate the interplay between geographic factors, seasonal rhythms, and the city's role as a major educational and commercial centre.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift was a 150% increase in drugs-related offences, rising from 18 to 45 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 71.4% rise in possession of weapons (from 7 to 12), suggests a potential realignment in local crime dynamics. Vehicle crime also increased by 57.1% (49 to 77), possibly linked to seasonal changes in parking patterns or increased traffic during the shopping season. Conversely, robbery fell by 19% (21 to 17) and criminal damage and arson dropped by 14.1% (99 to 85), which may reflect heightened policing efforts or reduced public gatherings during darker evenings. Shoplifting (14.4% of total crimes) remained 100% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), a trend consistent with Cambridge's high foot traffic in retail areas. Bicycle theft (8.5% of crimes) was 775% above the UK average, likely tied to the university's student population. These figures highlight both emerging challenges and areas where Cambridge's crime profile diverges from national patterns.

Cambridge's crime rate in November 2023 rose 3.6% from the previous month's 7.5 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.7% above the UK average. Daily crime figures show 48 crimes reported each day, reflecting a persistent local rhythm of activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents against the population. This rate is slightly higher than the prior month but remains within typical seasonal fluctuations for a university city. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Cambridge's rate is marginally above the UK average, its per capita context is shaped by the density of academic institutions, retail hubs, and public spaces that attract both residents and visitors. The daily crime count, though steady, underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to the area's unique demographics.