Cambridge Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In Cambridge, the per-capita crime rate for April 2023 stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 6.7% below the UK average of 7.5. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 144 residents over the course of the month, a figure that, while lower than the national average, underscores the persistent presence of crime in a city defined by its academic institutions and tourism. 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 foot traffic in retail and academic zones likely contributes to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition to spring—may have influenced the rise in violent offences, as increased outdoor activity and social gatherings create environments conducive to conflict. Conversely, the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000) was 27% lower than Cambridge’s rate, suggesting that the city’s demographic profile, including a younger population and transient student community, may play a role in shaping its crime profile. Shoplifting, however, stood out as a stark anomaly, with rates 150% above the UK average. This could reflect the city’s reliance on retail and the vulnerability of high-street stores during busy periods like Easter. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average, remains a concern in areas with dense student populations, where noise complaints and public disturbances are common. These findings illustrate how Cambridge’s unique social and economic dynamics shape its crime profile, with seasonal and demographic factors interacting to create distinct patterns of risk.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in robbery, drugs, and shoplifting, with robbery rising by 88.9% (from 9 to 17 incidents) and shoplifting climbing by 56.1% (from 114 to 178). These spikes contrast with declines in vehicle crime (-48.1%) and burglary (-16.3%), likely reflecting seasonal shifts in activity patterns. Shoplifting, at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, was 150% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the increased police presence in retail areas. Bicycle theft, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 471% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 33% below average for vehicle crime. These disparities highlight the uneven distribution of risk, with students and cyclists in particular facing elevated exposure. For residents, the 178 shoplifting incidents in April offer a concrete reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses during the Easter shopping period.

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2023 rose to 7.0 per 1,000 residents, a 7.6% increase from March's 6.5. This translates to approximately 35 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the pace of activity in a city with a vibrant academic and cultural scene. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 144 residents, a ratio that, while lower than the UK average, highlights the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas. The population context—Cambridge’s 149,352 residents—means that even relatively low crime rates can correspond to a significant number of incidents when scaled across the city. Daily crime statistics reveal a consistent presence of criminal activity, with shoplifting and violence dominating the landscape. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible benchmark for residents, illustrating how frequently crime intersects with everyday life in a city where academic institutions and tourism drive foot traffic.