Cambridge Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2024 (11.5 per 1,000 residents) places it 40.2% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, a stark divergence from the national trend. This discrepancy reflects the city's unique demographic and geographic characteristics, including its status as a major university hub and a destination for both domestic and international tourism. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (25.9% of total), shoplifting (16.8%), and anti-social behaviour (15.2%), all of which exceed UK averages. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, are 12% above the UK rate, a figure that may be partly explained by the concentration of young people in the city's student population and the social dynamics of university campuses. Shoplifting's high rate (1.9 per 1,000) is likely driven by the density of retail spaces, particularly in the city centre, and the transient nature of visitors during the summer months. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.8 per 1,000, is 25% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with the high levels of foot traffic and the presence of both students and tourists in public spaces. The seasonal context of August—as a peak holiday month—may have contributed to the elevated rates of property-related crimes, such as burglary, where the increase in empty homes during the summer break could create vulnerabilities. However, burglary itself (0.3 per 1,000) is 6% below the UK average, suggesting that local policing strategies or the city's layout may mitigate some risks. These patterns illustrate the combination of Cambridge's academic environment, its tourism infrastructure, and the broader national crime profile.

August 2024 saw a 136.4% surge in robbery cases, rising from 11 to 26 incidents. This sharp increase may be linked to the city's summer tourist season, where unattended valuables in public spaces create opportunities. Vehicle crime also climbed 59.2% (49 to 78), potentially influenced by increased car usage during holidays and the presence of parked vehicles in university car parks. Conversely, theft from the person fell 48.8% (86 to 44), due to heightened police patrols in high-traffic areas. Bicycle theft. (96 to 86), remains 567% above the UK average, a persistent issue in Cambridge's student-heavy neighbourhoods. Shoplifting rates (1.9 per 1,000) are 168% above the UK average, reflecting the impact of high street retail activity and the transient nature of the student population.

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2024 (11.5 per 1,000 residents) marks a 10.6% increase from the previous month's 10.4 per 1,000. This rise, though modest, places the area 40.2% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. Daily crime data shows an average of 55 crimes reported each day in August, a figure that may reflect the city's status as a major academic and tourist hub. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 87 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the density of activity in Cambridge's urban core. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge's crime profile is shaped by its unique mix of student populations, high foot traffic in retail zones, and seasonal fluctuations tied to university holidays. These factors may contribute to the elevated rates compared to the national average, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.