Cambridge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime profile in September 2023 reveals a distinct mix of crime types that reflect the city's unique characteristics. With a crime rate of 10.2 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 27.5% above the UK average, a figure that is consistent with its status as a major urban centre with a significant student population. The top crime categories—violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour—illustrate a balance between personal safety concerns and property-related incidents. Violence and sexual offences, though 9% below the UK average, account for 24.7% of all crimes, a proportion that may be influenced by the city's nightlife and social hubs. Shoplifting, at 17.4% of total crimes, stands out as 221% above the UK average, likely driven by the city's retail density and the influx of students during the academic year. Anti-social behaviour, making up 11.9% of reported crimes, is 10% below the UK average, suggesting that local enforcement efforts or community engagement initiatives may be contributing to this relative reduction. The seasonal context of September, with the return of students and the start of the academic term, further contextualises these patterns. The high rate of bicycle theft—700% above the UK average—points to the prevalence of cycling in the city and the potential vulnerability of unsecured bikes in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, the relatively low incidence of violent crime compared to other areas with similar demographics suggests that Cambridge's social infrastructure, including its universities and community networks, may play a role in mitigating some forms of crime. These data points collectively illustrate a city where economic activity and population movement significantly shape the crime profile, requiring targeted strategies to address the most pressing issues.

September saw a sharp 73.9% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 153 to 266. This surge, which places shoplifting 221% above the UK average, may be linked to the start of the academic year and increased retail activity in the city's high streets. Concurrently, burglary cases jumped by 50%, from 44 to 66, suggesting a potential uptick in property-related incidents. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 50.9%, from 55 to 27, a decrease that could reflect improved security measures or reduced foot traffic during evenings. The drug category also saw a 36.8% increase, from 19 to 26, though this remains below the UK average. Possession of weapons fell by 52.6%, from 19 to 9, a decline that may indicate successful community initiatives or seasonal factors influencing criminal activity patterns. These shifts in crime types underscore the combination of local demographics and seasonal events.

Cambridge's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 10.2 per 1,000 residents, a 4.9% increase from August's 9.7 per 1,000. This places the area 27.5% above the UK average, a figure that remains consistent with Cambridge's historical position as a region with higher-than-average crime rates. Daily crime statistics show 51 crimes reported each day, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 98 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents in a localised timeframe. While the population-scaled perspective reveals a relatively high number of crimes per capita, the breakdown of specific categories in the highlights section offers deeper insight into the nature of these incidents. The increase from August, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns such as the return of students and the start of the academic year, factors that may influence crime dynamics in an area with a significant university presence.