Cambridge Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime profile in October 2025 reveals a distinct balance of crime types, with violent offences dominating the mix. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.8% of all reported crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 21%. This elevated share may be partly explained by the city’s status as a university town, where student populations and late-night social activities can contribute to higher rates of such incidents. Anti-social behaviour, at 15.4% of all crimes, also outpaced the UK average, a pattern consistent with Cambridge’s dense urban fabric and high concentration of young people. Shoplifting, though lower than the UK average for most categories, showed a 17.8% decline from September, likely influenced by seasonal factors such as the transition to darker evenings and the timing of Halloween, which may have altered retail footfall patterns. The city’s crime mix reflects a combination of local characteristics, including academic institutions, commercial activity, and seasonal rhythms, which shape the types and frequencies of incidents. While the overall rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents is 3.9% below the UK average, the distribution of crime types highlights specific vulnerabilities, such as the sharp rise in drug-related offences and the persistent challenge of anti-social behaviour. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions that align with Cambridge’s unique social and geographical context.

October 2025 saw notable fluctuations in crime categories, with drugs-related incidents surging by 98.1% to 107, a stark contrast to the previous month’s 54. This jump, while not yet linked to specific events, may reflect seasonal shifts or changes in enforcement patterns. Other crime also rose sharply, increasing by 83.3% to 33, a category that encompasses a broad range of incidents and could signal emerging issues. Theft from the person rose by 72.7%, tied to Halloween activities or increased foot traffic in the city centre. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 23.7% to 74, due to reduced outdoor events or heightened awareness during darker evenings. Robbery incidents declined by 18.8% to 13, a drop that may reflect the impact of seasonal transitions on public spaces. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of Cambridge’s crime profile, with some categories rising sharply while others show marked declines.

Cambridge’s crime rate in October 2025 rose 6.2% from September’s 7.0 to 7.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend. Daily crime counts averaged 45 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a city with a population of 187,642. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the local population. This monthly exposure figure, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, aligns with the city’s profile as a densely populated academic and commercial hub. The increase in overall crime rate contrasts with Cambridge’s usual position near the UK average, suggesting potential shifts in local dynamics or seasonal influences. These figures, when paired with the city’s character as a university town, invite consideration of factors such as student populations, event schedules, and the impact of darker evenings on public safety.