Cambridge Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cambridge’s crime profile in December 2025, accounting for 32% of all reported incidents and contributing to a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents—10% below the UK average. This rate, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects the unique dynamics of a university city where student populations and academic calendars shape crime patterns. The dominance of violent crimes likely stems from the city’s vibrant nightlife, high concentrations of young adults, and the transient nature of its student community. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed as the next most frequent categories, with the latter’s rate (0.8 per 1,000) 40% above the UK average, a figure that may be attributed to the high foot traffic on Cambridge’s retail corridors and the prevalence of student-led shopping activity. December’s seasonal context—marked by dark evenings, holiday shopping, and the temporary dispersal of students—likely influenced these trends. The lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour suggest that the city’s infrastructure, including well-lit public spaces and community-focused policing, may contribute to a safer environment during the winter months. However, the significant rise in drug-related offences (85% above UK averages) highlights areas for targeted intervention, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of transient populations.

December 2025 saw a sharp 63.6% decrease in theft from the person, likely linked to reduced foot traffic during the holiday season and fewer public gatherings. This drop contrasts with a 14.2% increase in anti-social behaviour, which may reflect the heightened social activity associated with Christmas celebrations and university events. Shoplifting remained a persistent concern, with rates 40% above the UK average, a trend consistent with Cambridge’s retail density and high student population. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 29.8%, possibly due to the reduced use of personal vehicles during the winter months and the temporary closure of certain campus areas. The rise in drug-related offences—85% above the UK average—highlights ongoing challenges in managing illicit activity, though these figures remain lower than in other major urban centres. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and the city’s unique character as a university hub.

Cambridge's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, a decrease of 8.3% from the previous month’s rate of 6.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in university towns during the winter holidays, when student populations temporarily shrink and fewer people frequent high-traffic areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 38 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local community. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 158 residents, a metric that underscores the relative safety of the area compared to other UK towns. While this monthly exposure rate is lower than the average for many comparable cities, it still reflects the ongoing presence of crime in a densely populated, academic hub. The population context further clarifies that Cambridge’s 187,642 residents collectively face a manageable risk profile, though specific crime types remain concentrated in particular areas of the city.