Cambridge Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate for October 2023 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 15% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a mix of persistent challenges and seasonal influences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 29.2% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (12.3%) and anti-social behaviour (11.7%). The city’s status as a university hub and a major urban centre likely contributes to these patterns, as student populations and academic calendars shape criminal activity. For example, the prevalence of shoplifting may be linked to high foot traffic in retail areas, while anti-social behaviour could be exacerbated by the social dynamics of a student-dominated population. October’s shorter days and the approach of Halloween may have also played a role, increasing opportunities for crimes such as theft from the person or public order violations. However, direct causal links, and these patterns may be influenced by a combination of local factors. Cambridge’s crime rate remains higher than the UK average, though the city’s overall rate has decreased slightly from the previous month. This context underscores the need for continued monitoring and tailored responses to address specific crime trends.

October 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting decreasing by 36.8% (from 266 to 168 incidents) compared to the previous month. This drop, though unexplained by the data, contrasts with a 25.9% increase in theft from the person (27 to 34 cases), which may reflect shifts in criminal focus or seasonal factors. Violent crimes also rose by 6.1% (377 to 400 cases), maintaining their position as the most common category, representing 29.2% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting remains 90% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.6 per 1,000), while bicycle theft—linked to the city’s student population—surpasses the national rate by 700%. Conversely, vehicle crime fell 37.0% (from 81 to 51 cases), a decline that could be attributed to reduced traffic during the October half-term break. These variations highlight the combination of local dynamics and national trends in Cambridge’s crime profile.

Cambridge's crime rate in October 2023 (9.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 10.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the local area during the autumn season, where reduced daylight and seasonal transitions may influence crime patterns. On a daily basis, Cambridge recorded approximately 44 crimes per day in October, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 109 residents. This figure provides a tangible context for residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents over the course of a month. With a population of 149,352, the rate underscores the relative safety of the area compared to the UK average, though it remains 15% above the national benchmark. The comparison highlights the importance of localised factors in shaping crime statistics, as Cambridge’s unique characteristics—such as its status as a university city—may contribute to distinct patterns in criminal activity.