Cambridge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in September 2023 stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.8% above the UK average of 8.0. This slight but notable deviation from national trends underscores the city’s unique demographic and geographic profile as a major university hub. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (24.8% of total incidents), shoplifting (17.1%), and anti-social behaviour (12.0%). Violence and sexual offences, though the leading category, were 23% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the city’s relatively low levels of alcohol-fuelled violence compared to other urban centres. Shoplifting, however, far exceeded the UK average by 150%, a stark contrast that likely stems from the concentration of retail activity in the city centre and the influx of students during the academic term. Anti-social behaviour, at 12.0% of total crimes, was also 25% below the UK average, a trend that may be linked to the city’s emphasis on community policing and the presence of a large student population, which often self-regulates through peer networks. Seasonal context plays a pivotal role in shaping these patterns: September marks the return of university students, a factor that likely contributes to the rise in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour while also reducing incidents of alcohol-related violence through increased police presence and community engagement. This dynamic interplay between local characteristics and seasonal rhythms offers a nuanced picture of Cambridge’s crime profile, one that differs from the national average in both scale and composition.

September saw a sharp 73.9% increase in shoplifting, with 266 incidents reported—150% above the UK average. This surge aligns with the return of university students and the start of the academic term, likely intensifying pressure on retail outlets. Burglary also rose by 50%, reaching 66 incidents, a 25% increase over the UK average. This uptick may reflect seasonal shifts, such as the movement of students into shared housing or the increased presence of temporary residents. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 34.9% to 82 incidents, 17% below the UK average, potentially linked to the end of summer holidays and reduced traffic in certain areas. Theft from the person dropped by 50.9%, a decline that may be attributed to improved policing around university campuses and increased awareness among students. These contrasting trends highlight the combination of seasonal, demographic, and local factors in shaping Cambridge’s crime profile.

Cambridge’s crime rate in September 2023 rose 5.1% from August’s 7.9 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase since mid-2023. This shift places the area slightly above the UK average. Daily crime figures reveal 52 incidents reported each day, a figure that, while consistent with seasonal patterns, underscores the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 121 residents—a rate that, when contextualised against Cambridge’s population of 187,642, highlights the relative scale of incidents. This monthly exposure, though not alarmingly high, reflects the city’s dense urban fabric and the interplay of student populations and commercial activity. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Cambridge’s crime profile, while distinct in certain categories, aligns with broader UK trends in others, such as the decline in vehicle crime and possession of weapons. These dynamics suggest that localised factors—such as the timing of university term starts—may influence specific crime types more than others.