Cambridge Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate for August 2025 stands at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This discrepancy highlights the city's distinct profile compared to the national picture. The most prevalent crime category is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.3% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (18.5%) and anti-social behaviour (15.2%). These figures align with Cambridge's identity as a university city, where the convergence of students, academics, and tourists creates a unique environment for certain types of crime. The high rate of shoplifting, which is 202% above the UK average, may be partly explained by the density of retail outlets in the city centre and the transient nature of its population. Seasonal factors also play a role, as August is a peak holiday month with increased tourism and a higher number of empty homes, both of which may contribute to burglary risks. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences is slightly lower than the UK average, due to the city's relatively low levels of alcohol-fuelled disorder compared to larger urban centres. The balance between property crimes and violent crimes reflects the dual nature of Cambridge as both a commercial hub and an academic community, with different pressures influencing crime patterns. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the city's specific challenges and responses to crime offer insights into how local conditions shape criminal activity.

August 2025 saw a 25.3% increase in shoplifting, with 277 incidents reported compared to 221 in July. This surge, which places shoplifting 202% above the UK average, may be linked to the city's retail activity and summer tourism. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 25.3% (from 83 to 62), a decline that could reflect heightened awareness during the summer months or increased police patrols in university areas. Robbery rates also dropped significantly, with a 33.3% decrease (from 21 to 14), influenced by reduced foot traffic in certain parts of the city during August. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark contrast in local performance: while violence and sexual offences (2.7 per 1,000) are 6% below the UK average, shoplifting remains high. Residents may find the 27.3% share of violent crimes in the total tally particularly relevant, as it underscores the balance between property and violent crime in the city.

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2025 (10.0 per 1,000 residents) marks a 7.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.9 per 1,000. This downward trend contrasts with the area's overall position above the UK average, highlighting a nuanced picture of local dynamics. On a daily basis, 48 crimes were reported in August, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a city with a population of 149,352. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 100 residents, a metric that contextualises the impact of crime on the local community. This monthly exposure rate, while higher than many areas, reflects Cambridge's unique characteristics as a university city with a high proportion of transient populations and commercial activity. The decrease from July suggests possible seasonal factors, such as the return of students to campus or adjustments in policing strategies during the summer months.