Cambridge Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in June 2024 reached 10.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.2% above the UK average of 8.2. This figure reflects a combination of local characteristics and national trends, with the city's status as a university and research hub likely contributing to patterns seen in property and violent crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.3% of all incidents, the highest proportion among all categories, a trend consistent with the presence of a large student population and the associated social dynamics. Shoplifting, at 17.2% of all crimes, was the second most common category, with the rate 174% above the UK average—a disparity that may be attributed to the city's high foot traffic in retail areas and the transient nature of its population. Anti-social behaviour followed at 12.4%, a category that often includes disturbances in shared housing and public spaces, both of which are prevalent in a densely populated academic environment. Seasonal factors may have influenced these patterns, as June marks the beginning of the summer term and the influx of tourists, which can drive both retail crime and public order incidents. The data also shows a marked increase in bicycle theft, with rates 678% above the UK average, a statistic that aligns with Cambridge's reputation as a city with extensive cycling infrastructure and a large student demographic reliant on bicycles. This extreme gap in bicycle theft rates highlights the need for targeted security measures in areas with high concentrations of students and research staff. The overall crime rate, while elevated, remains relatively stable compared to previous months, suggesting that local policing strategies and community initiatives may be having some effect. However, the significant disparity in certain categories compared to the UK average indicates that Cambridge's unique demographic and geographic profile plays a crucial role in shaping its crime profile.

June 2024 saw significant month-on-month increases in theft from the person (+22.6%), vehicle crime (+13.2%), and robbery (+11.8%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. Conversely, public order offences fell by 23.0%, possibly reflecting the start of summer and changes in social behaviour. Among the most striking comparisons to the UK average, shoplifting in Cambridge was 174% above the national figure, while bicycle theft surged to 678% above, a disparity that may be linked to the city's high student population and the prevalence of cycling as a primary mode of transport. This extreme gap in bicycle theft rates underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of students and research staff. The sharp decline in other crime (-32.3%) and possession of weapons (-27.8%) suggests that some categories may have reached a temporary peak, though the reasons for these drops remain unexplained by the data. Residents may find the rise in vehicle crime particularly concerning, given the city's reliance on car parking and the potential for opportunistic theft in busy academic and commercial zones.

Cambridge's crime rate in June 2024 fell by 5.3% compared to May, dropping from 10.7 to 10.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, suggests a potential stabilisation after a period of rising incidents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 50 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of the population and the nature of Cambridge as a university and research hub. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 99 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains higher than the UK average. While this figure may seem alarming, Cambridge's population of 149,352 is concentrated in a relatively small geographic area, which can influence the concentration of crime incidents. The drop from May may be linked to seasonal factors, as the transition from late spring to summer often brings increased policing activity and community engagement initiatives, though these are not explicitly documented in the data. The population-scaled perspective highlights the importance of context: while the rate is elevated, the absolute number of crimes is influenced by the city's unique demographic profile and infrastructure.