Cambridge Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 presented Cambridge with a crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.3% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure, while not alarmingly high, highlights a distinct pattern in the city's crime profile. The most prominent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.4% of all crimes — a share that, at 2.1 per 1,000, is 16% below the UK average. This contrast with the 141% above UK average for shoplifting, which at 1.3 per 1,000 accounted for 16.4% of total crimes, marks Cambridge as an outlier in retail-related crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 12.1% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 — 5% below the UK average. These figures suggest a combination of the city's academic and commercial environments, where high foot traffic may contribute to shoplifting but also where community-focused policing could mitigate anti-social behaviour. Seasonal context further complicates this picture: February, as a winter month with low outdoor activity, may have limited opportunities for certain crimes while creating conditions for others. The city's built-up area status, with its dense population and mix of student and professional residents, likely shapes these patterns. However, the sharp contrast in shoplifting rates compared to the UK average warrants closer examination of retail security measures and enforcement strategies in Cambridge's major shopping districts.

February 2024 saw a 250% increase in theft from the person, rising from 10 to 35 incidents — a sharp spike that may reflect seasonal changes or targeted activity. Shoplifting rose by 41.8%, from 170 to 241 cases, placing it 141% above the UK average. This anomaly suggests a particular vulnerability in retail environments, possibly linked to the city's high foot traffic in academic and commercial districts. Conversely, burglary fell by 23.5%, from 68 to 52 cases, a decline that may align with the winter lull in outdoor activity. Bicycle theft. from 112 to 92, remains 733% above the UK average — a stark figure that could indicate ongoing challenges in securing cycling infrastructure in a city with a high student population.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 rose 8.4% from the previous month's 7.2 per 1,000 to 7.9 per 1,000, marking a notable upward trend. This increase, though modest, suggests shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, 51 crimes were reported over 29 days — a figure that, while contextually relevant for Cambridge, must be considered alongside the city's unique characteristics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the density of incidents in a built-up area. With a population of 187,642, this translates to a population-scaled perspective where the rate of crime remains a focal point for local authorities. The city's academic and commercial hubs likely influence this statistic, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct correlations.