Cambridge Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Cambridge during October 2024 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by the city’s character as a major university hub and historic retail centre. Violent crimes, including sexual offences, accounted for 28% of all incidents, a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This aligns with Cambridge’s dense population of students and staff, where personal safety concerns in shared accommodation and late-night study sessions may contribute to such figures. Property crimes, meanwhile, made up 43% of total reported incidents, with shoplifting dominating at 14.5% of all crimes. This reflects the city’s high concentration of independent retailers and university-affiliated shops, which may be more vulnerable to theft than larger chain stores. Shoplifting rates in Cambridge were 53% above the UK average, suggesting a unique challenge in managing retail security in this area. Bicycle theft, at 0.4 per 1,000 residents, was 400% above the UK average, a statistic consistent with Cambridge’s extensive cycling infrastructure and reliance on bikes for daily commuting. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, Halloween activities, and the transition from autumn to winter—likely amplifies risks in public spaces, particularly for theft from the person. While anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, its rate was 7% below the UK average, indicating effective community policing in areas with high foot traffic. These patterns highlight the interplay between Cambridge’s academic and commercial identity and its crime dynamics, requiring tailored strategies to address both violent and property-related incidents.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in Cambridge’s crime profile, with drug-related offences surging by 70.4% compared to the previous month, rising from 27 to 46 incidents. This increase may be linked to the city’s student population and the proximity of major universities, where illicit drug activity often peaks during term time. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped sharply by 69.7%, from 89 to 27 incidents, potentially reflecting the reduced number of commuters during October, when many students are still on campus and less reliant on personal vehicles. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 26%, reaching 228 incidents, a figure that underscores the ongoing challenges in managing public order in areas with high student density. The city’s shoplifting rate remained 53% above the UK average, with 204 incidents reported, a statistic that may be exacerbated by the presence of high-end retail stores and the transient nature of student populations. Meanwhile, bicycle theft continued to be a stark outlier, with 80 incidents reported—400% above the UK average. This could be attributed to the city’s extensive cycling network and the vulnerability of bikes stored in university car parks or along major routes. The data also shows a 50% increase in theft from the person, likely influenced by Halloween-related events and the increased use of night-time public transport. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions in both retail and transport sectors to address the unique challenges of Cambridge’s crime profile.

Cambridge’s crime rate in October 2024 stood at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, a 2.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.7. This slight downward trend contrasts with the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, positioning Cambridge 7.4% below the national benchmark. On a daily basis, the city recorded an average of 46 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within Cambridge’s population of 187,642. This equates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 133 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the previous month, the reduction in vehicle crime and other crime categories suggests a possible seasonal effect, with fewer commuters and lower foot traffic during October. However, the sharp rise in drug-related offences and anti-social behaviour indicates that certain areas may be experiencing heightened activity. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-133 residents is lower than the UK average for many comparable cities, which may reflect Cambridge’s relatively effective policing strategies and community engagement efforts. Despite the overall decline, the city’s unique crime mix—particularly the disproportionate levels of shoplifting and bicycle theft—continues to set it apart from other urban centres. These patterns underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention initiatives to Cambridge’s specific demographic and geographic characteristics.