Cambridge Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Cambridge, 8.7 crimes were reported in May 2024 — 3.6% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This rate translates to a 1-in-115 chance of a crime occurring for any given resident over the course of the month. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 25% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (18.5%) and anti-social behaviour (12.6%). These figures align with Cambridge's character as a university city, where late-night socialising in the town centre and high foot traffic on high streets likely contribute to the prevalence of violence and retail crime. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role: longer evenings and the presence of bank holidays in May may have extended periods of outdoor drinking and socialising, which could partially explain the higher-than-average rates of public order offences (27% above UK average) and the relatively high share of violence and sexual offences compared to other areas. However, the UK average for violence and sexual offences is slightly lower than Cambridge's rate (2.8 vs 2.2 per 1,000), suggesting that while the city's overall crime rate is marginally higher than the national average, its violent crime rate is proportionally balanced against other categories. The sharp contrast between shoplifting (1.6 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) highlights the unique challenges of Cambridge's retail environment, where student populations and tourist foot traffic may drive theft from shops and businesses.

May 2024 saw a 142.9% increase in robbery incidents compared to April, with the number of reported robberies rising from 7 to 17. This jump, while statistically significant, remains relatively low in absolute terms and may reflect isolated incidents rather than a systemic trend. Other theft also rose sharply by 51.2%, from 80 to 121, which could indicate a seasonal spike in opportunistic crimes linked to increased foot traffic during university term time. Bicycle theft increased by 38.0%, from 71 to 98, a trend consistent with the city's student population and the prevalence of cycling as a primary mode of transport. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 12.8%, from 47 to 41, due to improved parking security measures or reduced car usage in the warmer weather. The UK comparison for shoplifting is particularly striking: Cambridge's rate of 1.6 per 1,000 is 150% above the national average of 0.6 per 1,000, underscoring the city's unique vulnerability to retail theft. Residents may want to note that anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average (24% below), remains a significant category, with 205 incidents reported — a figure that could be influenced by the density of student housing and the social dynamics of a university town.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2024 (8.7 per 1,000) was 9.0% higher than the previous month's rate of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. This increase translates to roughly 53 crimes per day on average, a figure that, while not uncommon for a city of Cambridge's size, highlights the fluctuating nature of urban crime. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure of 1-in-115 residents encountering a crime is a useful benchmark for understanding risk. For context, this means that if 1,000 residents were randomly selected, one would expect approximately eight to experience a crime during the month — a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for vigilance. The city's crime profile also shows stark contrasts with the UK average: while violent crime is proportionally balanced, shoplifting and bicycle theft are high, suggesting that Cambridge's retail and transport infrastructure present unique challenges. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and drug-related offences are lower than the UK average, which may reflect the city's compact layout and strong community policing initiatives. These comparisons illustrate how Cambridge's specific demographics and geography shape its crime picture, creating a profile that differs from the national average in key areas.