Cambridge Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime profile in February 2024 reveals a combination of local and national trends, with bicycle theft standing out as a stark outlier. At 0.5 per 1,000 residents, bicycle theft in the area was 733% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000—a figure that aligns with the city's status as a major university town, where cycling is both a practical and cultural norm. The overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents places Cambridge 11.3% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the area's population density, student demographics, and high foot traffic in commercial districts. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.4% of all reported crimes, making them the most common category, while shoplifting (16.4%) and anti-social behaviour (12.1%) followed closely. These patterns are consistent with Cambridge's character as a vibrant academic and cultural centre, where retail and nightlife activity drive certain crime types. The winter season, marked by colder weather and reduced outdoor activity, may have influenced the crime mix, with indoor spaces and transport hubs becoming focal points for theft and disorder. However, the sharp rise in theft from the person—a category that saw a 250% increase—suggests shifting dynamics, linked to heightened awareness or changes in public behaviour during the month. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as university campuses and public transport nodes, while also highlighting the importance of contextual factors in shaping local crime trends.

February 2024 saw a 250% increase in theft from the person, rising from 10 to 35 incidents—a sharp spike that may reflect heightened vigilance during winter or changes in public behaviour. Shoplifting also rose by 41.8%, with 241 incidents reported, placing Cambridge 141% above the UK average for this category. This anomaly contrasts with a 23.5% drop in burglary, which fell from 68 to 52 cases, possibly linked to seasonal factors or improved security measures. Bicycle theft. from 112 to 92 incidents, remained 733% above the UK average, a figure that likely reflects the city's high student population and reliance on cycling. The mix of crime types also shifted, with property crimes accounting for 50% of total incidents, while violent crimes made up 26.4%—a balance that mirrors Cambridge's dual role as an academic hub and urban centre.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 rose to 7.9 per 1,000 residents, an 8.4% increase from 7.2 per 1,000 in January. This translates to approximately 51 crimes reported daily, a figure that reflects the area's density and activity levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents—a rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a built-up urban environment. While the daily crime count aligns with the area's characteristics, the monthly exposure figure reveals the cumulative impact of crime on local communities. Comparing this to the UK average, Cambridge's rate remains 11.3% higher than the national figure, though local factors such as university presence and high foot traffic likely contribute to this disparity. The shift from January to February also highlights seasonal patterns, with colder weather potentially influencing crime types and locations.