Cambridge Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2023 was 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects the city's unique characteristics as a university district with a transient population and high foot traffic. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.6% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting (13.3%) and anti-social behaviour (12.9%). These patterns align with the city's seasonal rhythms, as longer evenings and bank holidays in May may have contributed to increased socialising and associated incidents of violence and public order offences. The data also highlights a significant divergence from the UK average in specific categories: shoplifting rates in Cambridge were 104% above the national average, likely driven by the presence of a large student population and the city's numerous retail hubs. In contrast, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were both below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or community engagement efforts may be effective in mitigating these types of incidents. The seasonal context of May, with its extended daylight hours and increased outdoor activity, may have also influenced the distribution of crimes, particularly in areas with high concentrations of university students and tourists. These factors collectively illustrate a city where crime patterns are shaped by both demographic and environmental conditions.

May 2023 saw a sharp 80% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 40 to 72 incidents, a jump that may reflect heightened activity during longer evenings and increased traffic in the city. Burglary also rose by 36.1%, with 49 reported cases, potentially linked to seasonal changes in property occupancy or increased opportunities in residential areas. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 52.9%, from 17 to 8 cases, a decline that could be attributed to targeted policing efforts or reduced public gatherings during bank holidays. Shoplifting emerged as a striking outlier, with rates 104% above the UK average, underscoring the persistent challenge of retail crime in a city with a high concentration of university students and transient visitors. This contrast between rising vehicle crime and falling robbery rates illustrates the combination of factors influencing Cambridge's crime profile.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 7.6 per 1,000 residents, a 9.3% increase from the previous month's 7.0 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 37 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a city with a population of 149,352. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 131 residents, a metric that highlights the frequency of incidents in a densely populated academic hub. While this monthly exposure is slightly higher than the previous month, it remains 5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge's crime profile, though marginally lower than the national average, reflects the unique dynamics of a university city where transient populations and high foot traffic may contribute to specific crime patterns. These figures, when viewed alongside the city's seasonal rhythms—such as extended evenings and bank holidays—illustrate how local conditions interact with broader trends.