Cambridge Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, 4.7% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure reflects a balance between persistent challenges and seasonal trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.4% of all crimes, with 313 incidents — a rate 27% below the UK average. This may be partly explained by the city’s focus on community policing and the relatively low prevalence of alcohol-fuelled violence in comparison to larger urban centres. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a significant outlier, with 194 cases (17% of total crimes) — a rate 72% above the UK average. This could be linked to Cambridge’s high concentration of retail outlets and student populations, where impulse buying and peer influence may drive such activity. Bicycle theft further highlighted the city’s unique profile, with 55 cases (4.8% of total crimes) — a rate 650% above the UK average. This stark discrepancy likely stems from the university’s reliance on cycling as a primary transport mode, even in winter months. The seasonal context of February, marked by cold weather and reduced outdoor activity, may have dampened opportunities for crimes like vehicle theft and anti-social behaviour, which saw rates 43% and 12% below the UK average, respectively. However, the persistence of violence and shoplifting underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-traffic areas and among student communities. Cambridge’s crime profile thus illustrates a mix of national trends and local peculiarities, shaped by its academic environment and urban infrastructure.

February 2026 saw a 7.8% increase in bicycle theft, reaching 55 incidents — a rate 650% above the UK average. This spike may reflect the university’s winter bike storage challenges, with students relying on cycling despite colder conditions. Concurrently, shoplifting rose 17.9% to 33 cases, maintaining its position as the second most common crime. This aligns with Cambridge’s retail density and student population, where high foot traffic in town centres may create opportunities for theft. Meanwhile, burglary fell 44.1% compared to January, dropping from 59 to 33 cases — a shift consistent with reduced outdoor activity during winter. The 650% gap in bicycle theft compared to the UK average highlights a unique local challenge, linked to the city’s cycling infrastructure and student demographics. Residents may find the 44.1% drop in burglary particularly notable, suggesting that seasonal factors and targeted policing may be influencing this trend.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2026 dropped by 12.5% compared to January, falling from 7.0 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where colder weather and reduced outdoor activity may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 41 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the population size. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals a combination of local factors and national trends. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Cambridge’s crime profile, though distinct, reflects broader seasonal rhythms without deviating significantly from expected patterns.