Cambridge Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's overall crime rate for February 2025 was 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 19.4% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This figure, while concerning, reflects the challenges of managing crime in a university city with a transient population and high foot traffic. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (25.4% of total), followed by shoplifting (19.0%) and anti-social behaviour (15.0%). These patterns are consistent with Cambridge's character as a major academic centre, where student populations and retail activity contribute to specific crime trends. The elevated rate of shoplifting compared to the UK average (142% above) may be driven by the city's numerous high-street shops and tourist attractions, which attract both legitimate customers and opportunistic offenders. Violence and sexual offences, however, were 15% below the UK average, possibly due to effective policing strategies or community engagement efforts in this category. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—likely contributed to the lower incidence of vehicle crime and public order offences, though the sharp rise in theft from the person remains unexplained. Cambridge's crime profile illustrates the combination of local demographics, geography, and seasonal factors, requiring a nuanced approach to crime prevention.

February 2025 saw a marked decline in bicycle theft, which fell by 34.2% to 73 incidents from 111 in January. This decrease may be linked to colder weather deterring outdoor activity, a pattern consistent with Cambridge's winter climate. Vehicle crime also dropped by 27.1%, from 59 to 43, potentially reflecting reduced parking congestion during the pre-spring lull. In contrast, theft from the person surged by 116.7%, rising from 12 to 26 cases—a sharp increase that deserves closer attention. Shoplifting remained a standout issue, with Cambridge’s rate of 1.5 per 1,000 (227 incidents) 142% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK average by 24%, with 179 reported cases, likely tied to the university city's transient population. Violence and sexual offences in Cambridge (2.0 per 1,000) were 15% below the UK average (2.4 per 1,000), suggesting effective policing or community initiatives in this category.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2025 fell by 10.7% compared to January's 9.0 per 1,000, marking a welcome decline after a period of elevated activity. This reduction aligns with the seasonal lull typical of winter months, when outdoor activity diminishes and public spaces see fewer visitors. On a daily basis, the area experienced 43 crimes per day, a figure that, while notable, reflects the city's higher-than-average population density and its role as a major academic hub. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a ratio that contextualises the impact of crime on the local community. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with Cambridge's status as a university city, where transient populations and high foot traffic can influence crime patterns. The drop from the previous month suggests that targeted interventions or natural seasonal factors may have contributed to this decrease, though further analysis is required to confirm causality.