Cambridge Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2023 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 19.8% above the UK average of 8.1. This divergence from the national picture reflects the city's unique characteristics, including its role as a university hub and a major tourist destination. The top three crime categories were violence and sexual offences (24.4% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (13.4%), and shoplifting (10.5%). Violence and sexual offences, while the most common category, were 9% below the UK average, a contrast to the starkly elevated rates in other areas. The seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—likely influenced patterns, with increased tourism potentially contributing to higher vehicle crime and burglary risks, though the latter saw a 12% decline from the previous month. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 21.3%, possibly due to targeted policing or community engagement efforts. However, shoplifting and vehicle crime remain notable concerns, with the latter surging by 87.9%. The city's reliance on cycling, a defining feature of its transport network, likely explains the 678% above-average rate for bicycle theft. These trends highlight the interplay between local demographics, infrastructure, and seasonal factors in shaping Cambridge's crime profile, which differs significantly from the UK average but exhibits pockets of relative safety in categories such as burglary and violence.

August 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 87.9%, rising from 66 to 124 incidents—a stark increase that may reflect heightened traffic or changes in parking patterns. Robbery also rose sharply, with a 76.9% increase from 13 to 23 cases, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in certain areas or times. Conversely, shoplifting declined by 23.5%, dropping from 200 to 153 incidents, possibly linked to seasonal retail activity or enforcement efforts. Bicycle theft in Cambridge was 678% above the UK average, a figure that aligns with the city's status as a major university hub, where cycling is prevalent. This category's extreme disparity from national rates underscores the need for targeted local strategies. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 12%, from 50 to 44 cases, though the rate remains 12% below the UK average, a trend that may reflect effective community initiatives or property security measures.

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2023 remained stable at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no immediate spikes or dips in overall crime, though the local picture differs markedly from the UK average. Locally, 47 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 103 residents, illustrating the scale of exposure within the population. Cambridge's rate is 19.8% above the UK average, a gap that persists despite some categories—such as violence and sexual offences—performing closer to or below national benchmarks. The local context, including a large student population and tourist activity, likely shapes this divergence, though population density and infrastructure may also play roles. These figures provide a baseline for understanding how Cambridge's crime profile stacks up against both national trends and its own historical data.