Cambridge Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in August 2025 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.2% above the UK average of 8.1. This figure, while slightly elevated, reflects a complex mix of crime types shaped by the city’s unique characteristics as a university hub and historic centre. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.8% of all crimes, the highest proportion, but remained 20% below the UK average—a contrast to the sharp 138% surge in shoplifting, which was the second most common offence. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 15.3%, though it was 11% below the UK average. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month with increased tourism and vacant homes, likely contributed to the 25.8% rise in shoplifting and the 7.1% overall drop in crime compared to July. The city’s academic calendar may also explain the 31.4% decrease in bicycle theft, as students returned to campus, potentially securing their bikes. However, the 138% above UK average rate for shoplifting highlights vulnerabilities in retail areas, particularly during high-traffic periods. Meanwhile, the 20% below UK average rate for violent crime suggests that community policing efforts or the city’s demographic profile—characterised by a younger, more educated population—may be mitigating certain types of crime. These patterns illustrate the nuanced relationship between local factors, such as the density of businesses and institutions, and broader national trends.

August 2025 saw a 25.8% rise in shoplifting, driven by increased retail activity during the summer months, with 278 incidents reported—138% above the UK average. This spike contrasts sharply with a 31.4% drop in bicycle theft, likely due to the start of the academic term, which may have seen more bikes secured on campus. Meanwhile, violent crime remained 20% below the UK average, despite a 1.2% overall increase in the area’s rate. Other notable shifts include a 43.8% jump in ‘other crime’ incidents, possibly reflecting underreported or evolving types of misconduct. The 7.1% monthly decline from July highlights a broader trend of reduced crime, particularly in vehicle-related offences and robbery, which fell by 23% and 28.6% respectively. These changes underscore the dynamic interplay between seasonal patterns and local factors in shaping Cambridge’s crime profile.

Cambridge’s crime rate in August 2025 fell by 7.1% compared to July 2025, dropping from 8.8 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity and fewer tourists during the summer’s tail end. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 49 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a city known for its high academic and cultural presence. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the density of the built-up area and its mix of student populations, businesses, and historic sites. While the overall rate remains slightly above the UK average, the downward trend suggests that local factors—such as increased police patrols or seasonal lulls in certain crimes—may be contributing to a safer environment.