Cambridge Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Cambridge's crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1. This rate translates to a daily risk of approximately 48 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 127 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.2% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.1%) and shoplifting (16.9%). These patterns align with Cambridge's character as a university city with a vibrant student population and a mix of academic and commercial hubs. The high rate of shoplifting, which was 94% above the UK average, may partly explain by the concentration of retail areas in the city centre and the transient nature of student populations. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average rates for violent crimes—specifically 26% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences—could reflect the city's generally safer environment compared to other urban centres, though this remains consistent with Cambridge's historically lower violent crime trends. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may contribute to the rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The city's crime profile illustrates a balance between the pressures of a densely populated academic community and the relative safety afforded by its compact, well-policed urban layout.

May 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 115.4%, rising from 26 to 56 incidents—a sharp increase that may be linked to the start of the university term, which often brings more students and visitors to the city. Similarly, drug-related offences rose by 36.8%, potentially reflecting increased social activity during the warmer months. Possession of weapons also increased by 35.3%, though this remains a relatively minor category compared to other crimes. Conversely, theft from the person decreased by 19.4%, due to heightened police presence in high-traffic areas during May. Shoplifting remained 94% above the UK average, with 250 incidents recorded—over three times the national rate for this category. This discrepancy highlights the unique challenges faced by Cambridge's retail sectors, particularly in areas like the historic High Street, where thefts are likely driven by the transient nature of student populations and the density of commercial premises. Meanwhile, the rate of violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category, was 26% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be attributed to the city's relatively low levels of alcohol-fuelled violence compared to other urban areas.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2025 (7.9 per 1,000) marked an 11.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.0 per 1,000, indicating a notable shift in crime dynamics over a short period. This rise, while modest in absolute terms, translates to a daily risk of 48 crimes per day—a figure that, while lower than many comparable UK cities, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in densely populated areas. On a monthly basis, the 1-in-127 resident exposure rate means that, over the course of May, an average resident would have faced a 0.79% chance of being directly affected by a reported crime. This perspective is particularly relevant for Cambridge's student population, where the transient nature of the community may amplify perceptions of risk even when absolute rates remain relatively low. The city's population of 187,642 further contextualises these figures: with over 180,000 residents, the per-capita rate remains a critical measure for understanding individual risk. Comparisons to other UK cities reveal that Cambridge's lower violent crime rates and higher property crime rates reflect its unique demographic profile, with property crimes often linked to the high density of retail and academic spaces. These comparisons highlight the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the specific characteristics of Cambridge's urban environment.