Cambridge Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime profile in September 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by the city's character as a major university hub. The overall crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents places the area 23.4% above the UK average, a figure that reflects both the density of student populations and the city's retail infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences account for 26.5% of all crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000 vs 2.5 per 1,000). This aligns with the social dynamics of a city where university freshers and academic events create concentrated environments for such incidents. Shoplifting emerges as the second most common crime type (17.0% of total), with rates 135% above the UK average, consistent with Cambridge's high-density retail areas and student population. Anti-social behaviour, at 12.4% of total crimes, also exceeds the UK average by 3%, likely influenced by the transient nature of student communities. Seasonal factors in September—back-to-school activities, university orientation weeks, and the transition from summer to autumn—may contribute to these patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres and social gatherings in residential areas. The city's mix of academic institutions, commercial zones, and historic districts creates a unique crime profile that differs from both rural and other urban centres, where property crimes often dominate.

September 2024 saw significant shifts in Cambridge's crime mix, with public order offences declining by 35.4% (147 to 95) and anti-social behaviour falling by 32.6% (261 to 176). These decreases may reflect the start of the academic term, as students return to campus and social activities become more structured. Conversely, vehicle crime increased by 15.4% (78 to 90), potentially linked to the influx of new residents and the city's reliance on parking infrastructure. Other crime also rose sharply by 30.4% (23 to 30), though the exact drivers remain unclear without further data. Shoplifting remains 135% above the UK average, with 241 incidents recorded—over twice the national rate. This stark contrast highlights the unique challenges of Cambridge's retail environment, where high foot traffic and a student demographic may create conditions for such offences. Theft from the person fell by 40.9% (44 to 26), due to increased awareness during university orientation periods. The city's violent crime rate (2.5 per 1,000) is 5% below the UK average, a finding that may suggest effective policing in high-risk areas or the influence of university-led initiatives. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in sectors like retail and transport, where crime rates remain high.

Cambridge's September 2024 crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 17.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 11.5 per 1,000, indicating a short-term improvement in public safety. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 47 crimes per day in September, a figure that, while lower than the previous month, still reflects the challenges of managing a densely populated urban area with a transient student population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 105 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to the UK average (which would require specific data not provided), suggests Cambridge's crime environment is more intense than the national average. The city's population of 149,352 residents means that each individual faces a higher likelihood of encountering crime compared to the UK average, particularly in areas with high student density. This population-scaled perspective highlights the need for community-focused policing and targeted crime prevention strategies. While the overall rate is lower than the previous month, the persistent elevation above the UK average—particularly in categories like shoplifting and vehicle crime—points to systemic challenges that require long-term solutions. These comparisons underscore the importance of contextualising Cambridge's data within both local and national frameworks, ensuring that interventions are proportionate to the city's unique demographic and geographic profile.