Cambridge Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Cambridge’s overall crime rate stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 28.6% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure translates to a personal risk of 1 in every 101 residents experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a statistic that, while not extreme, highlights the city’s unique challenges. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 23.5% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (20.3%) and anti-social behaviour (13.6%). The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the onset of spring—likely contributed to fluctuations in crime patterns. For instance, shoplifting rates surged, reflecting the influx of visitors and the increased activity in retail hubs. Conversely, violent crime rates remained 10% below the UK average, a contrast that may be attributed to Cambridge’s academic environment and the presence of a large student population, which could dilute the incidence of violent crime through community engagement and policing. The city’s higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which are 51% and 36% above UK averages respectively, suggest a need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and university-related activity. These trends underscore the importance of understanding how local demographics and seasonal rhythms shape crime profiles, offering insights that go beyond raw numbers to contextualise risk for residents and visitors alike.

April 2024 saw a 42.2% increase in shoplifting, the most significant rise among all crime categories. This jump, from 211 to 300 incidents, aligns with the Easter holiday period and increased foot traffic in retail areas, particularly around the city’s high streets and university campuses. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 26%, from 96 to 71 incidents, a decline that may reflect seasonal shifts—warmer weather reducing the need for cycle commuting, or heightened awareness among students due to local campaigns. Theft from the person also rose sharply by 71.4%, from 21 to 36 cases, a trend that could be linked to the increased presence of tourists and students in public spaces during April. Cambridge’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) is 10% below the UK average, a contrast to its elevated shoplifting and anti-social behaviour rates. This suggests that while the city faces challenges in retail crime and disorder, its violent crime rates remain comparatively lower, due to its academic environment and the presence of community policing initiatives.

Cambridge's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable compared to March, rising by 1.9% to 9.9 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase, though minimal, underscores the city’s persistent challenges in managing crime despite its generally low levels. Daily, Cambridge residents face roughly 49 crimes, a figure that, while not alarmingly high, reflects the density of its population and the mix of academic and commercial activity. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 101 residents experienced a reported crime, a statistic that contextualises the risk in terms of personal exposure. This rate, though above the UK average, is tempered by the city’s unique demographics—its large student population and high foot traffic in retail and university areas. For residents, the 1-in-101 figure offers a tangible measure of risk, particularly in areas with concentrated nightlife or academic institutions. The comparison to the UK average highlights Cambridge’s distinct position: a city where crime is more prevalent in specific categories, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, but where violent crime rates are lower than the national average. This duality suggests that local factors, such as the presence of universities and tourist attractions, play a significant role in shaping the city’s crime profile.