Cambridge Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 36.6% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This elevated rate reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major university hub and its dense urban environment. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.3% of total incidents), followed by shoplifting (16.6%) and anti-social behaviour (12.3%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February, a winter month characterised by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull that may influence crime patterns. The high rate of shoplifting—196% above the UK average—suggests that commercial areas remain vulnerable to theft, likely driven by the city's high foot traffic and retail presence. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of vehicle crime (4.2% of total incidents, 9% below the UK average) may be attributed to Cambridge's compact urban layout, which limits opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than shoplifting, remains a persistent issue, with 177 incidents reported. This could be linked to the city's student population and the social dynamics of its densely populated areas. The seasonal context further complicates the picture: while low outdoor activity may suppress some crimes, the pre-spring period could see increased indoor activity and associated conflicts. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions in retail and public spaces, while also acknowledging the broader challenges posed by Cambridge's unique demographic and geographic profile.

February 2024 saw notable fluctuations in Cambridge's crime profile. The most significant decrease was in burglary, which fell by 25.8% to 49 incidents, a drop that may partly explain the reduced property crime share compared to previous months. This decline contrasts with a 41.2% rise in shoplifting, bringing the total to 240 incidents—196% above the UK average. The sharp increase in theft from the person, jumping 250% from 10 to 35 cases, signals a concerning trend for residents. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 17.2% to 177 incidents, though this remains within a manageable range. Meanwhile, bicycle theft decreased by 17.7% to 93 cases, a figure still 900% above the UK average. These shifts highlight a growing focus on retail and personal safety, with shoplifting and theft from the person emerging as critical areas for local policing. The data suggests that while some crime types are being addressed effectively, others—particularly those tied to commercial activity—require renewed attention.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2024 rose to 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a 9.5% increase from the previous month's 8.8 per 1,000. This places the area in a distinct position compared to the UK average, though the monthly context provides a more nuanced picture. On a daily basis, Cambridge saw roughly 50 crimes reported each day in February, a figure that highlights the persistent nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents, a ratio that underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. While the rise in overall crime is notable, the breakdown of these incidents reveals a combination of factors. The population-scaled perspective suggests that while the rate is elevated compared to the UK average, the impact on residents is concentrated in specific crime categories. For instance, the sharp increase in theft from the person—now 35 incidents compared to 10 in January—reflects a significant shift in criminal activity. These figures, when contextualised within Cambridge’s unique demographic and geographic profile, offer insights into the challenges and priorities for local authorities.