Cambridge Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's January 2024 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents places it 18.9% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy is most pronounced in bicycle theft, which occurs at a rate 1233% higher than the UK average (0.8 per 1,000 vs 0.1 per 1,000). The city's academic and commuter population, coupled with its cycling infrastructure, likely contributes to this anomaly. Violence and sexual offences (26.9% of total crimes) remain the largest single category, though they are 8% below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting (12.9% of total crimes) is another stark outlier, occurring at a rate 93% above the UK average, reflecting the retail density of the city centre and the presence of student populations. Seasonal factors in January—shorter days, post-holiday periods, and reduced foot traffic in commercial areas—may have shifted crime patterns, with fewer outdoor crimes but persistent indoor thefts. The overall rate, while elevated, is stable compared to December, suggesting no immediate spikes in criminal activity. Cambridge's profile as a university city with high pedestrian and cyclist activity creates unique crime dynamics, where targeted thefts in specific sectors outweigh broader trends.

Bicycle theft surged by 109.3% in January 2024, rising from 54 to 113 incidents—a jump that dwarfs the UK average for this category by over 12 times. This spike aligns with Cambridge's reputation as a cycling hub, where university students and commuters frequently use bikes, making them prime targets for opportunistic thefts. Other thefts also rose by 35.5% (93 to 126), possibly linked to increased retail activity during the post-Christmas period and the return of students to campus. Conversely, theft from the person fell sharply by 73.0% (37 to 10), likely due to reduced outdoor foot traffic during colder weather and shorter daylight hours. Robbery incidents also decreased by 40.9% (22 to 13), consistent with the seasonal trend of fewer outdoor interactions. Shoplifting remains a persistent issue, with rates 93% above the UK average, suggesting that the city's high concentration of retail outlets and student populations creates an environment conducive to such crimes. These trends highlight the combination of demographic factors and seasonal shifts in Cambridge's crime profile.

Cambridge's crime rate in January 2024 (8.8 per 1,000) was marginally lower than December's 8.9 per 1,000—a 1.0% decrease that indicates relative stability over the two-month period. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 43 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, remains significantly higher than the UK average when scaled to Cambridge's population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the need for continued vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Cambridge's elevated rates are most pronounced in bicycle theft (1233% above UK average) and shoplifting (93% above UK average), both of which reflect the city's unique characteristics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge's crime profile is shaped by its academic and commuter demographics, with targeted thefts in specific sectors outweighing broader national trends. These figures provide a clear benchmark for residents to contextualise their local safety environment against national averages.