Cambridge Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's December 2025 crime profile reveals a combination of property and violent crime, with property offences slightly outnumbering violent crimes but both categories showing distinct patterns. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places the city 10% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be attributed to Cambridge's unique characteristics as a university city with a transient population and high foot traffic. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.5% of all crimes, a share that, while significant, is 7% below the UK average for this category. This contrast could stem from the city's relatively low violent crime incidence, influenced by a culture of academic engagement and limited nightlife compared to larger urban centres. Property crimes, meanwhile, were dominated by shoplifting (13.2% of total crimes), a rate 75% above the UK average. This stark divergence is likely tied to Cambridge's dense retail presence along the High Street and the influx of students and shoppers during the Christmas period. Anti-social behaviour also rose to 12.7% of all crimes, a figure 8% above the UK average, reflecting the social dynamics of a student-dominated population during the festive season. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, empty homes over the holidays, and heightened retail activity—may have amplified certain crime trends while mitigating others. For instance, the sharp decline in theft from the person (63.6% drop) could be linked to reduced public outings or increased personal vigilance during the holiday season. However, the persistent elevation of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address these specific vulnerabilities in the city's crime profile.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in Cambridge's crime profile. Anti-social behaviour increased by 12.2%, likely linked to the festive season and late-night gatherings, while bicycle theft rose 7.5%, a trend consistent with the city's high student population and limited off-campus parking. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 63.6%, possibly due to heightened awareness during the holiday season or reduced public outings. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted: while property crimes (460) remained slightly higher than violent crimes (364), the latter's share of total crimes (31.5%) was lower than the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000). This divergence may reflect Cambridge's unique demographics, with a strong academic community contributing to lower violent crime rates. Shoplifting (13.2% of total crimes) was 75% above the UK average, a figure that could indicate challenges in retail security during peak shopping periods.

Cambridge's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, a 9.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.5 per 1,000. This decline suggests a short-term moderation in criminal activity, though the area remains 10% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the local authority recorded approximately 37 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 129 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure provides context for residents: while not alarmingly frequent, the rate underscores the need for continued vigilance. Cambridge's population of 149,352 means that the crime burden is distributed across a relatively dense urban environment, with higher concentrations in areas like the city centre and university campuses. The drop from November may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during the Christmas holidays, though the overall rate remains elevated compared to national benchmarks.