Cambridge Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in August 2025 reached 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics, with August marking a peak holiday period that often influences crime patterns. The area's distinct character as a university city and major urban centre shapes its crime profile, where academic institutions and tourism create unique vulnerabilities. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.3% of all crimes, a category where Cambridge's rate (2.7 per 1,000) is 6% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the area's relative success in managing violent crime despite its high population density and transient student population. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 (18.5% of total crimes), a figure 202% above the UK average. This stark discrepancy underscores the influence of Cambridge's retail sector, particularly its high-street presence and tourist activity, which may contribute to shoplifting incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 1.5 per 1,000 (15.2% of total crimes), a rate 3% above the UK average. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month with increased tourism and empty homes—likely amplifies burglary risks, though the monthly burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000) remains within UK norms. These patterns suggest that while Cambridge's overall crime rate is elevated compared to the UK, its specific vulnerabilities are shaped by its role as an academic and commercial hub, where retail and hospitality sectors interact with transient populations.

August 2025 saw significant fluctuations in Cambridge's crime profile, with shoplifting increasing by 25.3% (221 to 277 incidents) and other crime rising sharply by 43.8% (16 to 23). These increases may be linked to the summer tourist season and the presence of temporary workers in retail and hospitality sectors. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 33.3% (21 to 14), a decline that could reflect heightened police presence during peak holiday periods or improved security measures in high-traffic areas. The property crime-to-violent crime ratio shifted with property crimes (676) accounting for 45.1% of all incidents, compared to violent crimes (409) at 27.3%. This balance is consistent with Cambridge's profile as a city where commercial and academic activities generate property crime risks. Shoplifting's 202% above the UK average (1.9 vs 0.6 per 1,000) is a critical concern for local businesses, particularly in the city centre's high-street retail zones. Meanwhile, bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000) is 471% above the UK average, a statistic that may resonate with students and commuters reliant on cycling infrastructure. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in retail security and cycling safety measures.

Cambridge's August 2025 crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 represents a 7.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.9, indicating a slight downward trend. This monthly decline, however, does not bring the rate closer to the UK average, which remains 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Cambridge recorded approximately 48 crimes per day in August, 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 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the need for community vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Cambridge's population-scaled crime profile reveals stark contrasts: while violent crime rates are 6% below the national average, property crimes like shoplifting and bicycle theft far exceed UK norms. This disparity reflects the area's unique characteristics, including its high concentration of students, retail activity, and tourism. The 23.5% gap above the UK average highlights the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to Cambridge's specific needs, rather than adopting generic national approaches.