Cambridge Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 in Cambridge revealed a combination of seasonal and demographic factors shaping crime patterns. The city’s overall crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents placed it 11.8% below the UK average, a figure that reflects both proactive policing and the area’s unique characteristics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 28.2% of all crimes, consistent with Cambridge’s role as a university city where student populations may contribute to such incidents. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, emerged as a significant concern, 59% above the UK average, likely tied to the Black Friday shopping rush and the high concentration of retail outlets in the city centre. Seasonal factors also played a role: the darker evenings of November may have contributed to a 40% drop in public order offences, while the presence of university students likely amplified shoplifting trends. Bicycle theft, at 0.5 per 1,000, was 614% above the UK average—a figure that may reflect the city’s cycling infrastructure and transient student population. These patterns underscore the need for targeted strategies, such as enhanced surveillance in retail areas and community engagement with student groups, to address specific vulnerabilities while maintaining the city’s generally low crime profile.

November 2024 saw a stark increase in vehicle crime, rising 88.9% from 27 to 51 incidents—a shift that may reflect heightened traffic congestion during Black Friday shopping or increased vehicle idling in city centre car parks. This surge contrasts sharply with a 55% drop in robbery, which fell from 20 to 9, possibly linked to improved policing in high-footfall areas. Shoplifting emerged as a notable concern, with 198 incidents (1.1 per 1,000), 59% above the UK average, driven by retail promotions during the month. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 40%, aligning with the quieter evenings of November. The city’s crime mix also shifted, with property crimes accounting for 48.5% of all incidents, compared to 28.2% for violent crimes—a balance that contrasts with the UK’s broader distribution. For residents, the spike in vehicle crime serves as a concrete reminder to secure vehicles during peak shopping periods.

Cambridge's November 2024 crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents marks an 11.4% decline from the previous month’s 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction is evident across multiple categories, including a 55% drop in robbery and a 52% decrease in drug-related offences. Daily crime activity averaged 42 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity within the city’s population of 187,642. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 150 residents, a ratio that underscores the relative safety of the area compared to national averages. While this monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, the sharp increase in vehicle crime (+88.9%) highlights pockets of vulnerability. The population context further illustrates that Cambridge, as a university city with a high student population, may see fluctuating crime patterns linked to transient demographics and seasonal events like Black Friday.