Cambridge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, 3.8% above the UK average of 8.0. This places the city slightly higher than the national figure but within a narrow margin. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mix of patterns shaped by the area's unique characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 24.8% of all incidents, the highest single category, though this rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 23% below the UK average. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 266 incidents reported—150% above the UK average. This surge likely reflects the return of university students, the start of the academic term, and increased activity in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour followed at 12.0% of total crimes, though its rate (1.0 per 1,000) was 25% below the UK average. The seasonal context of September, with its transition from summer to autumn, may have influenced patterns: nights drawing in and the start of term could have altered public behaviour and crime dynamics. Despite these factors, the city's overall rate remains relatively stable compared to other urban areas, suggesting that local initiatives and policing strategies may be effectively managing broader trends.

September saw a stark increase in shoplifting, with 266 incidents reported—a 73.9% rise from August. This surge aligns with the return of university students and the start of the academic term, likely contributing to higher foot traffic in retail areas. Burglary also rose by 50%, with 66 incidents recorded, though this remains below the UK average for the category. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 34.9% to 82 incidents, possibly reflecting reduced car usage during the transition to autumn. The city's violent crime rate, at 2.1 per 1,000, was 23% below the UK average, despite a 5.1% monthly increase. Shoplifting in Cambridge was 150% above the national average, underscoring the impact of the local environment on specific crime types.

Cambridge's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 5.1% increase from the previous month's 7.9. This places the city slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, 52 crimes were reported over the 30-day period, highlighting the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. When scaled to the city's population of 187,642, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 121 residents over the course of the month. While this rate is not drastically different from other urban centres, the specific distribution of crime types reveals distinct local patterns. The city's academic and cultural landscape, with its high student population and vibrant nightlife, likely shapes these figures in ways that diverge from the national average.