Cambridge Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's February 2023 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents placed it 5.8% below the UK average of 6.9, a position consistent with the city's historical performance. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.0% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (12.0%), and shoplifting (9.9%). This distribution aligns with Cambridge's character as a university city, where high foot traffic in retail areas likely drives shoplifting, while the presence of a large student population may contribute to both anti-social behaviour and violence. Seasonal context further shapes these patterns: February's winter conditions and limited outdoor activity likely reduced opportunities for public order offences and vehicle crime compared to busier months. However, the city's academic environment may also explain the relatively high rate of bicycle theft, which was 567% above the UK average. This suggests a need for targeted interventions in campus and residential areas. While violent crime rates remained lower than the UK average, the persistent issue of shoplifting highlights the need for retail security measures. The overall crime rate, though lower than the national average, underscores the importance of maintaining community-focused policing strategies in a rapidly growing urban area.

Violence and sexual offences in February 2023 were 31% below the UK average, with 251 incidents reported at a rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. This decrease likely reflects seasonal factors, as February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have reduced opportunities for violent encounters. Anti-social behaviour also fell 18% below the UK average, with 116 incidents recorded. Conversely, shoplifting rose 36% above the UK average, with 96 incidents—potentially linked to Cambridge's high street retail presence and student population. Bicycle theft stood out as an anomaly, at 567% above the UK average, with 59 thefts reported. This stark deviation may be attributed to the city's large student community and the prevalence of bicycles in urban transport.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2023 remained 5.8% below the UK average, a consistent position seen in recent months. The daily crime count of 35 incidents averaged across 28 days highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area, though this figure is lower than the UK's typically higher daily rates. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the city's population density and infrastructure. Cambridge's population of 149,352 means that crime distribution is spread across a mix of academic, residential, and commercial zones, influencing both the frequency and types of offences recorded. While the daily figure provides a snapshot, the monthly exposure metric offers a broader context for residents, showing that crime remains a manageable but ongoing concern.