Cambridge Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cambridge’s crime profile in November 2024, accounting for 28.1% of all reported crimes. This category, which recorded 348 incidents at a rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, was 11% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The presence of a large student population, combined with the city’s vibrant nightlife and academic calendar, likely contributes to this pattern. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 197 incidents (15.9% of total) at a rate of 1.3 per 1,000, a figure 757% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This stark divergence underscores the impact of Cambridge’s retail hubs and high foot traffic areas, particularly around university campuses and shopping districts. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 174 incidents (14.0%) at a rate of 1.2 per 1,000, 8% above the UK average. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and darker evenings—may have influenced these trends, as heightened activity in public spaces can both drive and deter certain types of crime. The overall crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents placed Cambridge 9.2% above the UK average, a gap that reflects the city’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics. While the rate of violent crime was lower than the UK average, the prominence of property-related crimes like shoplifting and bicycle theft (96 incidents, 7.7%) highlights the need for targeted policing strategies in high-risk areas.

November 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 96.2%, rising from 26 to 51 incidents, a sharp increase that may reflect changes in parking patterns or seasonal vehicle usage. Burglary also rose by 26.8%, with 52 reported cases, potentially linked to increased home occupancy during the academic term. Conversely, robbery dropped by 55.0%, from 20 to 9 incidents, a decline that could be tied to reduced foot traffic during darker evenings. Shoplifting remained higher than the UK average, with a 757% surplus, consistent with Cambridge’s retail density and student population. The drop in drug-related crimes by 51.2% suggests a possible reduction in associated activity during the month, though this may be influenced by temporary factors rather than long-term trends.

Cambridge's crime rate in November 2024 dropped by 10.1% compared to the previous month, falling from 9.2 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as November typically sees reduced foot traffic in retail areas and fewer events than peak tourist months. Locally, 41 crimes were reported daily on average, a figure that translates to one crime occurring for every 120 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is a useful metric for residents assessing risk in their neighbourhoods, though it does not account for variations in population density across the district. The drop in overall crime rate contrasts with the previous month’s figures but remains 9.2% above the UK average, highlighting Cambridge’s distinct profile compared to other areas. Population context further reveals that Cambridge’s 149,352 residents experience a higher-than-average burden of certain crime types, such as shoplifting and bicycle theft, which may reflect the city’s academic and retail environments.