Cambridge Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's July 2024 crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents edged 1.2% above the UK average, a marginal but notable deviation. The city's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (25.2% of total crimes), shoplifting (16.2%), and anti-social behaviour (13.6%), with the latter two categories revealing stark contrasts to national trends. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.1 per 1,000, were 26% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect Cambridge's relatively low levels of alcohol-fuelled conflict compared to larger urban centres. However, shoplifting's 1.4 per 1,000 rate—106% above the UK average—underscores the challenges posed by the city's dense retail areas and transient student population. The seasonal context of July, with schools out and tourism at its peak, likely contributed to fluctuations in crime types: for instance, theft from the person spiked during crowded festivals and events, while anti-social behaviour may have been tempered by the absence of students on summer break. This interplay between seasonal rhythms and local demographics creates a dynamic crime picture, where the city's academic and cultural vibrancy coexists with pockets of vulnerability.

The most striking shift in July 2024 was a 128.9% increase in theft from the person, rising from 38 to 87 incidents. This surge, though not uncommon during peak tourist months, outpaced even the UK average by 194%, highlighting vulnerabilities in crowded areas like the city centre and university campuses. Conversely, robbery fell by 42.1% (19 to 11), a drop that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal changes in criminal activity. Vehicle crime rose by 17.8% (45 to 53), a modest increase that contrasts with the UK average, where vehicle crime is typically higher. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained high, with rates 106% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with Cambridge's retail density and student population.

Cambridge's crime rate in July 2024 rose to 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a 4.1% increase from June's 8.1 per 1,000. This places the city slightly above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Daily crime activity averaged 51 incidents per day, a figure that reflects both the city's population density and its status as a major academic and tourist hub. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 118 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while relatively low, underscores the persistent need for vigilance in public spaces. The population context reveals that Cambridge's crime rate, though modest, is influenced by its unique mix of student populations, visitor footfall, and urban infrastructure, which may partly explain fluctuations in specific crime categories.