Cambridge Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in October 2024 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.6% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a complex crime profile shaped by the area’s identity as a university city, where transient populations and high foot traffic influence patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 27.7% of all incidents (382 cases), slightly below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 16.2% of total crimes (223 cases), and exceeding the UK average by 16%. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000, was 94% above the UK rate, likely driven by the city’s dense retail corridors and student population. These figures are consistent with October’s seasonal context: darker evenings, the transition from autumn to winter, and Halloween-related activity, which may contribute to increased anti-social behaviour and theft. The city’s crime mix also shows a balance between property and violent crime, with property crimes accounting for 43.7% of the total (602 cases) and violent crimes 27.7%, reflecting the dual pressures of urban living and academic environments. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK, the data suggests targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as retail zones and nightlife hubs, could yield measurable improvements.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift was a 65.4% increase in drugs-related offences, rising from 26 to 43 incidents. This jump, though unexplained by the data, may reflect heightened activity in areas with high student populations. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 71.1%, from 90 to 26, a drop that could be attributed to seasonal factors or reduced parking congestion. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 26.7%, reaching 223 incidents, which is 16% above the UK average—a figure that may reflect increased social activity during October. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000 residents, remains 94% above the UK average, likely driven by the retail presence in the city centre. Theft from the person increased by 50%, from 26 to 39, a rise that may correlate with Halloween-related activity. These shifts highlight the combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms.

Cambridge's crime rate in October 2024 dropped by 2.7% compared to the previous month, reflecting a slight decline in overall activity. The daily crime count averaged 44 incidents per day, a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of crime in the area despite the reduction. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate, while not exceptionally high, highlights the need for continued vigilance. The decline contrasts with the area’s 13.6% above UK average rate, suggesting that while Cambridge remains a relatively high-crime area nationally, local efforts may be yielding some results. The drop in vehicle crime, which fell by 71.1%, is particularly notable, possibly linked to seasonal changes or reduced commuter activity. However, the increase in drugs-related offences and theft from the person indicates persistent challenges in certain sectors of the community.