Cambridge Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2023 stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a combination of local factors shaping risk exposure. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (288 incidents, 27.7% of total), shoplifting (178 incidents, 17.1%), and anti-social behaviour (114 incidents, 11.0%). These patterns align with Cambridge's character as a university city, where high concentrations of students, commercial activity, and public spaces create environments conducive to certain crime types. The dominance of violence and sexual offences may be consistent with the area's demographic profile, including a large student population and a vibrant nightlife. Meanwhile, shoplifting's 150% above UK average reflects the pressure on retail areas, particularly during Easter and spring, when foot traffic increases. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remains a persistent issue in densely populated areas. Seasonal factors, such as the Easter holiday and milder spring weather, likely contributed to shifts in crime patterns, with outdoor activity and social gatherings potentially increasing opportunities for violence and public order offences. Cambridge's lower burglary rate (36 incidents) compared to the UK average may be partly explained by the area's urban layout, with fewer isolated properties and stronger community policing initiatives.

April 2023 saw a stark increase in robbery, with incidents rising from 9 to 17—a jump of 88.9%. This surge, while concerning, may partly reflect heightened outdoor activity during the Easter period and spring weather. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 48.1% compared to March, likely influenced by seasonal patterns or improved security measures at car parks and transport hubs. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with rates 150% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the vulnerability of Cambridge's retail areas to theft. The sharp contrast between rising violent crimes (288 incidents) and falling burglary rates (36 incidents) highlights a shift in crime focus, with public spaces and commercial zones bearing the brunt. For residents, the 150% disparity in shoplifting compared to the UK average offers a tangible insight: Cambridge's high streets may require heightened vigilance during peak shopping times.

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 7.6% compared to March, moving from 6.5 to 7.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest, reflects shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 35 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 1,040 incidents. Over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for every 144 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the frequency of incidents within a typical household's experience. Cambridge's population of 149,352 means that the crime rate is distributed across a dense academic and urban environment, where proximity to universities, retail hubs, and transport links may influence exposure. This density could partly explain why shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which thrive in high-traffic areas, remain prominent categories. However, the drop in vehicle crime by 48.1% suggests that targeted policing or seasonal factors, such as reduced car theft during spring, may have contributed to this decline.