Cambridge Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate for September 2024 stood at 7.7 per 1,000, precisely matching the UK average. This alignment with national figures belies the city’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its status as a university hub. Violence and sexual offences (26.7% of total crimes) remained the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting (16.7%) and anti-social behaviour (12.6%). The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students and the start of the academic term—likely contributes to these patterns. For instance, the surge in shoplifting (91% above the UK average) may be driven by foot traffic in retail areas near campuses, while bicycle theft (456% above the UK average) reflects the city’s reliance on cycling infrastructure. Anti-social behaviour, though 15% below the UK average, saw a sharp decline in September, possibly linked to the transition back to structured routines as students settled into their studies. Meanwhile, violent crime rates remained 20% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Cambridge’s relatively low levels of public disorder compared to larger urban centres. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with property crimes accounting for 48.7% of total incidents—slightly lower than the UK average. This mix suggests that while Cambridge shares some national trends, its unique character as a knowledge economy hub with a youthful population influences the types and frequencies of crime recorded.

September saw a 30.4% increase in 'other crime', rising from 23 to 30 incidents, a shift that may reflect evolving criminal tactics or unaddressed vulnerabilities. Vehicle crime rose 11.3% to 89 cases, possibly tied to the return of students and increased traffic around campus areas. Conversely, theft from the person fell 40.9% to 26 cases, a drop that could indicate improved security measures or heightened public awareness. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences both declined sharply—by 31.7% and 34.9% respectively—suggesting a temporary reduction in disruptive activity, influenced by the start of the academic term and earlier bedtimes. Bicycle theft remains 456% above the UK average at 0.5 per 1,000, a figure that underscores the vulnerability of the city’s cycling infrastructure to theft, especially near university campuses and high-traffic zones.

Cambridge’s crime rate in September 2024 fell 17.3% from the previous month’s 9.3 per 1,000 to match the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal shifts, as the transition from summer to autumn may reduce outdoor activity in public spaces, a factor consistent with reduced anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Daily crime figures show 48 incidents reported per day, reflecting a steady but manageable level of activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 130 residents, a figure that contextualises the rate against the local population. While the overall rate mirrors the UK average, Cambridge’s crime profile differs significantly: shoplifting and bicycle theft are far above national levels, likely linked to the city’s academic and retail hubs. This contrast highlights how local demographics—such as a large student population—can shape crime patterns distinct from broader trends.