Cambridge Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.4% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major university hub and a popular tourist destination. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.4% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (16.6%) and anti-social behaviour (15.2%). These patterns align with the area's characteristics, as university towns often see elevated rates of violent crime and anti-social behaviour during term time. Shoplifting's disproportionate rise—125% above the UK average—may be attributed to the concentration of retail outlets in the city centre, a common feature of university cities. August, as a peak holiday month, may also have influenced crime trends, with increased tourism contributing to property crimes and anti-social behaviour. However, the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.7 per 1,000) was 7% lower than Cambridge's rate, suggesting that local factors, such as student demographics or nightlife activity, may drive higher rates of violent crime. Seasonal context further indicates that the summer months, with their mix of academic breaks and holiday travel, may create conditions where certain crimes, like burglary, are more likely to occur due to empty homes or increased foot traffic.

August 2024 saw a dramatic 136.4% increase in robbery, with incidents rising from 11 to 26. This sharp rise may be linked to heightened summer activity in the city's tourist and university areas. Concurrently, vehicle crime surged by 50.9%, jumping from 53 to 80, potentially reflecting increased traffic or unsecured vehicles during the peak holiday season. In contrast, theft from the person fell by 49.4%, with cases dropping from 87 to 44—a decline that may correlate with reduced foot traffic during August's school holidays. Shoplifting remains a persistent issue, with rates 125% above the UK average, highlighting the impact of Cambridge's retail density on local crime patterns. The significant decrease in bicycle theft, despite a 13.5% drop, contrasts with the UK average, suggesting effective local measures or seasonal changes in cycling activity.

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2024 rose to 9.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.5. This upward trend suggests a shift in local crime dynamics during the summer months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 56 crimes each day, a figure that translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 108 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population, though it remains distinct from daily fluctuations. The population context further underscores that Cambridge, with 187,642 residents, sees a consistent pattern of crime distribution. While the overall rate exceeds the UK average, the breakdown of specific crime types reveals areas where local conditions may diverge from national trends. The increase in vehicle crime and robbery, for instance, may reflect seasonal patterns linked to tourism and university-related activity, though these factors remain speculative without further data.