Cambridge Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, 3.9% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major university hub and its vibrant retail and academic sectors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 24.0% of all reported crimes, though their rate (1.9 per 1,000) was 26% below the UK average. This discrepancy may partly explain the lower proportion of violent crime compared to other areas, as Cambridge's population includes a significant number of students who may contribute to anti-social behaviour rather than violent incidents. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a major concern, with 303 incidents reported—a 43.6% increase from March and 139% above the UK average. This spike aligns with the Easter period, when retail centres experience higher visitor numbers and more opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour also featured prominently, with 203 incidents reported, though its rate (1.1 per 1,000) was 10% below the UK average. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and increased outdoor activity—likely contributes to these patterns, as more people spend time in public spaces. The city's crime profile thus illustrates the dual influence of its academic and commercial environments, with property-related offences dominating alongside violent crimes. This data underscores the need for targeted measures to address shoplifting while maintaining vigilance in areas prone to anti-social behaviour.

April 2024 saw a 43.6% increase in shoplifting, the most significant rise among all crime categories, bringing the rate to 1.6 per 1,000 residents—139% above the UK average. This surge is likely linked to the Easter holiday period, when retail areas experience higher foot traffic and potentially more opportunities for theft. Theft from the person also rose sharply by 71.4%, with 36 incidents reported, a 5% increase above the UK average. This uptick may reflect the increased outdoor activity associated with spring weather. Conversely, robbery decreased by 36.4% (from 11 to 7 incidents), a decline that contrasts with the overall rise in property-related crimes. The city's crime mix shows a shift towards property crimes, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour accounting for 44.3% of all reported incidents, compared to 24.0% for violent crimes. This imbalance suggests that while violent crime remains a concern, property-related offences are now the dominant category in Cambridge.

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable compared to March, with a 1.7% increase from 7.8 to 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This suggests continuity in local crime patterns despite seasonal shifts. On a daily basis, 50 crimes were reported in Cambridge over the month, reflecting a consistent level of activity that aligns with the area's characteristics as a university city with high foot traffic. When scaled to the population of 187,642, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 126 residents, a figure that contextualises the rate within the community's size. This monthly aggregate highlights the need for ongoing awareness, particularly as the Easter period and spring weather bring increased outdoor activity. The rate remains 3.9% above the UK average, but the stability in month-on-month figures indicates no sudden surge in criminal activity.