Cambridge Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in May 2025 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.5% below the UK average. This figure, though slightly higher than April’s 7.0, reflects a city where crime is distributed across a mix of violent and property offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.2% of all reported crimes, the highest single category, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.1%) and shoplifting (16.9%). These trends align with Cambridge’s character as a university city, where high foot traffic and a transient population may contribute to both anti-social behaviour and retail-related offences. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely amplifies incidents of public disorder and alcohol-related crime, though the city’s overall violent crime rate remains lower than the UK average. Shoplifting, however, stands out as a significant concern, with rates 94% above the national average, a reflection of the city’s bustling high streets and student population. Meanwhile, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime show mixed trends, with the latter experiencing a sharp 115.4% increase month-on-month, possibly influenced by seasonal shifts in vehicle usage or parking patterns. Cambridge’s crime profile, therefore, illustrates a balance between the challenges of managing a dynamic urban environment and the relative success of maintaining a crime rate that remains below the national benchmark.

May 2025 saw a stark rise in vehicle crime, with incidents jumping from 26 to 56—an 115.4% increase—potentially linked to increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 19.4%, suggesting a temporary reduction in street-level targeting. Shoplifting, at 1.3 per 1,000, remains 94% above the UK average, likely tied to Cambridge’s dense retail presence and university population. Bicycle theft, another category 400% above the national average, highlights the vulnerability of shared transport in a city with high student mobility. These figures contrast with lower-than-average rates for violent crimes, which are 26% below the UK benchmark, possibly reflecting effective community policing or the city’s generally stable social environment. Residents may note that while some categories are rising, others show marked improvement, indicating a complex but manageable crime profile.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2025 rose 11.8% compared to April, reaching 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in criminal activity patterns. On a daily basis, the area experiences roughly 48 reported crimes, a figure that translates to one incident for every 127 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure metric underscores the frequency of incidents within a typical household, though it remains below the UK average. The population context further clarifies that Cambridge’s crime rate, while higher than April’s, still sits 2.5% below the national average. This suggests that while local factors may be driving a short-term uptick, the city’s overall safety profile remains relatively strong compared to other areas in the UK. Residents may find the daily crime count a useful reference for understanding the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily routines, particularly in high-traffic areas or during peak social hours.