Cambridge Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime profile in May 2024 saw 1,594 crimes reported across a population of 149,352 residents, translating to a crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 people. This figure places the city 27.4% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, highlighting a distinct local pattern. The top three crime types—violence and sexual offences (24.5% of total), shoplifting (18.9%), and anti-social behaviour (12.7%)—reflect the dynamics of a university city with a mix of student populations, retail hubs, and public spaces. Violence and sexual offences, though 8% below the UK average for this category, remain a significant concern, likely linked to the city’s vibrant nightlife and academic community. Shoplifting, however, stood out as 212% above the UK average, potentially driven by the high footfall in Cambridge’s historic high streets and university campuses. Anti-social behaviour, at 3% below the UK average, may be influenced by local policing strategies or community engagement initiatives. Seasonal factors in May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the elevated crime rate, with public order offences rising 59% above the UK average. These patterns underscore the interplay between Cambridge’s character as a cultural and academic hub and the pressures of seasonal activity.

May 2024 marked stark shifts in Cambridge’s crime trends. Robbery surged by 142.9%, rising from 7 to 17 incidents, a jump that may reflect increased foot traffic during bank holidays or heightened vulnerability in public spaces. Other theft also rose sharply, climbing 45.1% to 119 cases, potentially linked to the city’s retail density and student population. Bicycle theft, at 98 incidents (a 38% increase), aligns with Cambridge’s reputation as a cycling-centric city, though this figure is 775% above the UK average—a disparity likely tied to the concentration of university students and the lack of secure parking infrastructure. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 19.1% to 38 incidents, due to improved CCTV coverage in car parks or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Drug-related offences fell 23.3% to 23 cases, a decline that may reflect temporary enforcement efforts or reduced socialising during the month. Shoplifting remains high, with 301 incidents (2.0 per 1,000) compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, illustrating a challenge for retailers and local authorities. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as the city centre’s retail corridors.

Cambridge’s crime rate in May 2024 (10.7 per 1,000) was 8.0% higher than April’s rate of 9.9 per 1,000, reflecting a moderate upward trend. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 51 crimes per day—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the persistent nature of criminal activity in a densely populated urban area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, is contextually manageable given Cambridge’s status as a major educational and cultural hub. This rate is higher than the UK average for shoplifting (212% above) and bicycle theft (775% above), yet lower than the UK average for vehicle crime (36% below). The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge’s crime challenges are concentrated in specific categories, such as retail and public order, rather than being evenly distributed. This suggests that targeted policing and community engagement in high-risk areas could yield measurable improvements, particularly in sectors like retail security and cycling infrastructure.