Cambridge Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's overall crime rate for September 2025 stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5.4% below the UK average of 7.4. This performance reflects the city's unique characteristics as a university hub, where high levels of foot traffic and a transient population influence crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 28.1% of all reported crimes, a figure that is 22% below the UK average. This lower rate of violent crime may be attributed to the city's strong community policing initiatives and the presence of a large student population, which often fosters a more vigilant and socially cohesive environment. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a significant concern, with 14.7% of all crimes falling into this category and a rate 64% above the UK average. This discrepancy is likely driven by the city's high concentration of retail outlets and the presence of students, who may be more inclined to engage in such activities. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 14.5% of crimes, a rate 15% below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts to address disorder may be yielding positive results. The seasonal context of September—marking the return of students to university halls and the start of the academic term—may have influenced crime patterns, with increased daytime activity deterring certain types of crime while creating new opportunities in others. As the nights draw in, the balance between public safety and the challenges of managing a large, transient population will remain a key focus for local authorities.

September 2025 saw a 71.8% drop in theft from the person, with reported incidents falling from 39 to 11. This steep decline is consistent with the academic calendar, as the return of students to campus likely reduced opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 14.3% (49 to 56), and robbery rose by 6.7% (15 to 16), suggesting a shift in criminal focus towards residential areas during the transition from summer to autumn. Shoplifting, a major concern in Cambridge, decreased by 31.3% (278 to 191), though it remains 64% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Bicycle theft, at 0.3 per 1,000, is 329% above the UK average, a stark contrast that reflects the city's dense student population and high concentration of cycle commuters. These trends highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local demographics in shaping crime patterns.

Cambridge's crime rate in September 2025 fell to 7.0 per 1,000 residents, a 14.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.2. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as the start of the academic term brings increased foot traffic and activity in university areas, potentially deterring opportunistic crimes. On a daily basis, Cambridge recorded approximately 43 crimes per day in September, a figure that reflects the city's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 144 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's overall safety. Cambridge's population of 187,642 means that each resident is statistically less likely to be directly affected by crime than in areas with higher crime rates, though localized pockets—such as high-traffic retail zones—may experience different dynamics. This population-scaled perspective highlights the importance of contextualizing crime data within both local and national frameworks.