Cambridge Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Cambridge's crime profile was marked by a stark dominance of property crimes over violent offences, a trend that may reflect the city's unique blend of academic, retail, and cultural activity. With a crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents—21.1% above the UK average of 7.1—Cambridge's statistics highlight the interplay between its urban infrastructure and seasonal dynamics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences (27.9% of total crimes), though this rate was 6% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This apparent contradiction may be explained by Cambridge's relatively low population density compared to major urban centres, where concentrated violence is more common. Shoplifting emerged as the second most frequent crime (14.1% of total), with an alarming 111% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This discrepancy likely stems from the city's high foot traffic, particularly during the Christmas shopping season, and its reputation as a hub for both students and tourists. Anti-social behaviour (13.7% of total crimes) also exceeded the UK average by 28%, a figure that could be linked to the party culture surrounding university events and festive celebrations. The seasonal context of December—characterised by long evenings, empty homes during holidays, and increased retail activity—likely contributed to the persistence of property-related crimes. While violent crime rates were slightly lower than the UK average, the overall crime rate still signals a need for targeted interventions in retail and public spaces, where Cambridge's unique demographic mix may create heightened opportunities for theft and disorder.

December 2024 saw a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes (614) outnumbering violent crimes (357), a pattern consistent with Cambridge's retail and academic environment. Shoplifting decreased by 8.1% (from 197 to 181), yet remained 111% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This suggests targeted policing or seasonal retail dynamics may have influenced the trend. Meanwhile, other crime increased by 55%, from 20 to 31, a category that includes minor offences such as vandalism or public disorder. The rise in possession of weapons (+54.5%) contrasts with a 58% lower rate of drug-related crimes compared to the UK average, potentially reflecting differences in local demographics or law enforcement priorities. Residents may find the 181 shoplifting incidents particularly relevant, given Cambridge's high foot traffic and the festive shopping season, which often correlates with increased retail crime.

Cambridge's crime rate in December 2024 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, a 3.4% increase from the previous month's 8.3. This places the city 21.1% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 41 crimes were reported each day in December, reflecting the high density of activity in a university city with a population of 149,352. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 116 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate, while not extreme, highlights the persistent presence of crime in a hub of academic and cultural activity where foot traffic, retail presence, and transient populations create unique challenges for law enforcement. The slight increase from November suggests seasonal factors—such as darker evenings and holiday-related disruptions—may have temporarily amplified criminal opportunities, though the overall rate remains stable within the annual cycle.