Cambridge Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 149,352 residents, Cambridge recorded 1,594 crimes in May 2024, translating to one reported crime for roughly every 94 residents over the course of the month. This equates to a crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 people, placing Cambridge 27.4% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The city’s crime profile reflects its character as a university hub and cultural centre, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 24.5% of all crimes (391 incidents) and shoplifting making up 18.9% (301 cases). These patterns align with the seasonal context of May, when longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—common in a city with a vibrant student population and cultural events—may partly explain the elevated rates of violence and public order offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 12.7% of total crimes (202 incidents), further underscores the impact of high-density living and late-night activity in areas like the city centre and university campuses. Shoplifting rates in Cambridge were 212% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the retail presence in the city’s high streets and the potential for opportunistic theft during busier periods. While the overall crime rate remains a concern, the breakdown shows that property crimes (777 incidents) slightly outpaced violent crimes (391 incidents), suggesting a mix of challenges that require tailored policing strategies.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with robbery incidents surging by 142.9% (7 to 17) and other theft rising by 45.1% (82 to 119). These increases may be linked to the timing of bank holidays and increased foot traffic in retail areas, which could create opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 19.1% (47 to 38), reflecting reduced car usage during the Easter holidays or improved security measures in parking areas. The data also reveals stark contrasts with UK averages: shoplifting in Cambridge was 212% above the national rate, while bicycle theft was 775% higher than the UK average, a figure that may be attributed to the city’s large student population and cycling infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category, were 8% below the UK average (2.6 vs 2.8 per 1,000), suggesting that Cambridge’s policing focus on high-risk areas may be having an effect. Residents might find the 18.9% share of shoplifting crimes particularly relevant, as it indicates that retailers should consider enhanced surveillance or staff training to mitigate losses.

Cambridge’s crime rate in May 2024 (10.7 per 1,000) marked an 8.0% increase compared to the previous month’s rate of 9.9 per 1,000, a shift that may be influenced by the seasonal transition into warmer weather and extended evening hours. On a daily basis, the city experienced an average of 51 crimes per day, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate highlights the frequency with which residents encounter crime in their daily lives, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity or public transport hubs. When viewed in the context of Cambridge’s population, the 1,594 total crimes represent a significant burden for a city that combines academic, cultural, and commercial functions. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the need for targeted interventions: while violence and sexual offences are slightly below the national rate, the disproportionate rise in shoplifting and bicycle theft suggests that specific sectors—such as retail and cycling infrastructure—require focused strategies. These figures also contrast with the UK’s broader trends, where vehicle crime is typically higher, indicating that Cambridge’s unique demographic and geographic factors play a crucial role in shaping its crime profile.