Cambridge Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's October 2024 crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents places it 13.6% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The most prevalent crimes in the month were violence and sexual offences (27.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.2%) and shoplifting (14.7%). These patterns align with Cambridge's identity as a university city, where high student populations and vibrant nightlife contribute to both violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. The spike in shoplifting, 94% above the UK average, is consistent with the retail density along the city's high streets and pedestrian zones, which see significant foot traffic year-round. October's darker evenings, coupled with Halloween festivities, likely contributed to a slight uptick in public order offences and anti-social behaviour, though these remain within expected seasonal ranges. The overall rate, while elevated, does not indicate a dramatic shift from previous months, suggesting that underlying trends—such as the persistent challenge of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour—continue to shape Cambridge's crime profile. The city's crime picture remains distinct from the UK average, particularly in categories like bicycle theft (650% above UK rates) and shoplifting, which may partly reflect the presence of a large student population and the concentration of retail activity in the city centre.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in October 2024 was a 65.4% increase in drug-related offences, rising from 26 to 43. This surge, while significant, remains below the UK average for drugs (0.3 per 1,000), which suggests local factors—such as proximity to major transport hubs or university campuses—may be influencing this trend. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 71.1% (from 90 to 26), a drop that could be linked to the end of the university term and reduced commuter traffic. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 26.7% (176 to 223), a 16% increase above the UK average for this category. This aligns with October's darker evenings and Halloween, which often see spikes in rowdy behaviour near pubs and in residential areas. Theft from the person increased by 50% (from 26 to 39), a 50% gap above the UK average. This could indicate heightened vulnerability in crowded areas, such as the city centre during weekends or university events. While Cambridge's overall crime rate is above the UK average, several categories—such as criminal damage and arson (15% below UK rates) and burglary (9% below)—show resilience, due to the city's strong community policing efforts and high levels of public awareness.

Cambridge's crime rate in October 2024 (9.2 per 1,000) marked a 2.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.5 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable downward trend. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 44 crimes per day, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, does not suggest an immediate cause for alarm. This figure is particularly meaningful for Cambridge's population of 149,352, as it translates to a relatively low probability of individual involvement in crime. The city's performance in specific categories—such as vehicle crime (57% below UK rates) and burglary (9% below)—suggests that targeted policing or community initiatives may be contributing to these lower-than-average outcomes. However, the sharp rise in drug-related offences and theft from the person highlights areas where additional focus may be needed. These figures, when viewed in context, illustrate a nuanced picture where Cambridge's crime profile is shaped by both its unique characteristics and broader national trends.