Cambridge Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2025 was 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.2% above the UK average of 8.1. This rate reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major academic and cultural hub with a high proportion of students and transient populations. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.8% of all reported incidents (426 cases), followed by shoplifting (18.2%, 278 cases) and anti-social behaviour (15.3%, 235 cases). The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month—may influence these patterns, with increased tourism potentially driving both shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the rate of violent crime in Cambridge remains lower than the UK average for this category, a trend consistent with the city's relatively safe environment compared to other urban centres. Property crimes (683 total) slightly outnumbered violent crimes (426), a balance that contrasts with some UK regions where violent crime dominates. The summer months often see fluctuations in crime due to changes in population density and activity patterns, with August's data illustrating how these factors shape local crime profiles. While shoplifting and anti-social behaviour remain persistent challenges, the overall stability in the crime rate suggests that Cambridge's policing and community initiatives may be effective in managing risk factors associated with seasonal variations.

August 2025 saw a notable 25.8% increase in shoplifting, with 278 incidents reported—138% above the UK average. This surge may reflect heightened retail activity during the summer holiday season, though no direct causal link can be confirmed. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 31.4% (86 to 59), likely tied to fewer commuters and tourists cycling during the peak holiday period. Violent crimes, at 426 incidents, remained 20% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, a trend consistent with Cambridge's generally lower rates of violent crime compared to other urban areas. Other crime rose sharply by 43.8% (16 to 23), a category that includes minor offences such as disorderly conduct, which may be influenced by seasonal social gatherings. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the impact of seasonal rhythms on specific offence types.

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2025 dropped by 7.1% compared to the previous month, falling from 8.8 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the summer holiday season, when tourism peaks and some properties may be temporarily unoccupied, potentially reducing burglary risks. Locally, 49 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents in a city with 187,642 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the density of the built-up area. While the overall rate remains slightly above the UK average, the downward trend suggests short-term stability. The population-scaled perspective shows that Cambridge's crime profile, though slightly elevated nationally, is not significantly divergent from broader patterns. This reduction may also correlate with seasonal shifts in activity, such as fewer evening gatherings in August compared to peak summer months.