Cambridge Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s December 2023 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents places it 23.6% above the UK average, a disparity that underscores the area’s distinct characteristics as a university city with a high proportion of transient populations. The breakdown of crimes reveals a clear dominance of property-related offences, with shoplifting (173 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (146 cases) accounting for 26% of all reported crimes. This contrasts with the UK average, where shoplifting rates are significantly lower, suggesting that Cambridge’s vibrant retail sector, particularly around the University and central high streets, may contribute to higher instances of theft during the Christmas shopping peak. Meanwhile, violent crimes, though fewer in number (385), remain a persistent concern, with violence and sexual offences representing 29% of all crimes. This rate is actually slightly below the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000), indicating that Cambridge’s approach to policing and community engagement may be effective in mitigating some forms of violent crime. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, empty homes over the holidays, and heightened retail activity—likely amplifies both property and anti-social behaviour crimes, as the combination of reduced visibility and increased foot traffic creates opportunities for opportunistic offenders. These patterns are consistent with broader trends observed in similar urban centres, where festive periods often correlate with spikes in theft and disorder-related incidents.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with property-related offences continuing to dominate the landscape. While property crimes (620) remained the most prevalent category, violent crimes (385) rose slightly. Among specific categories, shoplifting surged to 173 incidents, a rate 145% above the UK average, likely tied to the pre-Christmas retail rush. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 55% compared to November, possibly due to reduced cycling during colder weather and the holiday season. Other crime, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, increased by 58.8% and 40.7% respectively, which may reflect the social dynamics of the party season and the challenges of managing public spaces during extended festive hours. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal rhythms and local crime patterns, offering residents and authorities insights into areas requiring targeted attention.

Cambridge's December 2023 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 6.7% decline from the previous month’s 9.6 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal dip in criminal activity observed in urban areas during late December, when festive closures and reduced foot traffic in retail zones may contribute to lower opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, 43 crimes were reported across the 31 days, translating to a localised frequency of one crime for every 112 residents over the month. While this figure exceeds the UK average in absolute terms, the monthly exposure metric provides context for residents: it means that, on average, every 112 people in Cambridge experienced at least one reported crime during December. This rate, though higher than the UK average, is consistent with Cambridge’s status as a university city with a high proportion of transient populations, which may influence both the volume and nature of crime compared to more stable, lower-density areas.