Cambridge Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime profile in October 2025 reveals a distinctive balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by its status as a university city and a major urban centre. The overall crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents places the area 3.9% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the city's relatively low levels of burglary and vehicle crime compared to national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime mix, accounting for 27.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and shoplifting (11.3%). This distribution aligns with Cambridge's character as a hub for education and research, where public spaces such as university campuses and high streets may drive higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Cambridge is 21% below the UK average, suggesting effective policing strategies or community initiatives in high-traffic areas. Seasonal factors also appear to influence patterns, with October's shorter evenings and Halloween-related activity likely contributing to fluctuations in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The presence of shoplifting at 11.3% of total crimes, though 27% above the UK average, may be partly explained by the city's retail density, particularly in areas like the historic centre and King’s Parade. However, the significantly lower rates of burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) compared to the UK suggest that Cambridge's urban design and security measures may deter property-related offences. This combination of factors underscores the need for continued analysis of how local demographics and infrastructure shape crime trends.

October 2025 saw significant shifts in Cambridge's crime mix, with drug-related offences surging by 98.1% compared to the previous month, rising from 54 to 107 incidents. This sharp increase, which places drug crimes 114% above the UK average, may reflect heightened activity linked to university term patterns or seasonal transitions. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 23.7%, dropping from 97 to 74 cases—a decline that could be attributed to the autumnal closure of certain facilities or increased police presence in high-risk areas. Other notable changes include an 83.3% rise in 'other crime' (from 18 to 33 incidents) and a 72.7% increase in theft from the person (from 11 to 19), both of which suggest evolving criminal tactics or shifts in target demographics. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 17.8%, due to tighter retail security measures or the impact of October's shorter evenings on foot traffic. The balance between violent and property crimes also shifted slightly, with violent offences accounting for 27.8% of all incidents—slightly higher than property crimes (25.7%), though this remains within the expected range for a university city. These month-on-month changes highlight the dynamic nature of Cambridge's crime profile and the need for targeted interventions in areas experiencing spikes, such as drug-related activity and theft from individuals.

Cambridge's crime rate in October 2025 rose by 6.2% compared to September, moving from 7.0 to 7.4 per 1,000 residents. While this increase places the city slightly above its previous monthly figure, it remains firmly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 45 crimes per day in October—a figure that, while substantial, is contextualised by Cambridge's population of 187,642. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 135 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is relatively low compared to larger urban centres. This statistic provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime for residents: for every 100,000 people, approximately 740 crimes were reported in October, a figure that is 3.9% lower than the UK average. The city's population density and infrastructure likely contribute to this lower exposure rate, with well-lit public spaces, frequent police patrols, and community engagement initiatives potentially reducing opportunities for crime. However, the sharp rise in drug-related offences and 'other crime' categories suggests that certain subpopulations or areas may be experiencing increased vulnerability. The comparison to the UK also reveals stark contrasts: while Cambridge's rates of burglary and vehicle crime are in line with or below national averages, its higher rates of shoplifting and drug offences indicate unique challenges tied to its economic and social profile. These figures underscore the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to Cambridge's specific context, rather than applying generic national approaches.