Cambridge Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 reached 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 36.6% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of factors, including the city's status as a major university hub, which influences patterns of theft and anti-social behaviour. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.3% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (16.6%) and anti-social behaviour (12.3%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, which may contribute to higher indoor crimes and lower public space offences. The high rate of shoplifting—196% above the UK average—likely stems from the city's dense retail presence, particularly in the historic high streets and university precincts. Meanwhile, the elevated rate of anti-social behaviour (14% above the UK average) may be linked to the transient student population and the social dynamics of a university town. The data also shows a notable balance between property crimes (49.9%) and violent crimes (26.3%), suggesting that while personal safety remains a concern, property-related incidents dominate the crime profile. This mix of crime types underscores the need for targeted policing strategies that address both individual and community-level risk factors.

February 2024 saw significant decreases in burglary (-25.8%) and bicycle theft (-17.7%), marking a welcome shift in crime trends. Burglary fell from 66 to 49 incidents, a reduction that may reflect improved home security measures or increased police patrols in residential areas. Bicycle theft, which had previously surged to 113 incidents in January, dropped to 93, though it remains 900% above the UK average—a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by the city's large student population and the associated vulnerability of cycle parking. In contrast, theft from the person rose sharply by 250%, jumping from 10 to 35 incidents. This increase could be tied to the city's busy transport hubs and the high volume of pedestrians in the town centre, where pickpocketing opportunities are more prevalent. Shoplifting also saw a notable 41.2% increase, rising from 170 to 240 incidents. This surge, which places shoplifting 196% above the UK average, may be partly explained by the pre-spring shopping season and the high footfall in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour rose by 17.2%, reaching 177 incidents, linked to the social dynamics of a university town during term time. These contrasting trends highlight the importance of a nuanced approach to crime prevention, with targeted interventions in high-risk areas and sectors.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 rose 9.5% compared to January's rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a modest upward trend over the past month. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 50 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent nature of crime in a densely populated urban environment. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. When viewed through the lens of population size, Cambridge's 149,352 residents experienced 1,443 total crimes, translating to a rate that remains higher than the UK average. This disparity is particularly pronounced in categories such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, where Cambridge's rates far exceed national benchmarks. However, the city's performance in categories like vehicle crime and burglary shows some alignment with UK averages, suggesting that certain crime prevention measures are effectively addressing specific issues. The comparison also highlights the importance of contextual factors: while Cambridge's university character drives certain crime types, its relatively low levels of vehicle crime (9% below the UK average) may reflect the city's compact layout and limited car dependency. These comparative insights offer a nuanced picture of Cambridge's crime profile, emphasizing both areas of concern and relative strengths in public safety.