Cambridge Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's overall crime rate in February 2025 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 19.4% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This reflects a combination of local dynamics, including the city's role as a university hub and its high footfall in retail and academic sectors. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (25.4% of total), followed by shoplifting (19.0%) and anti-social behaviour (15.0%). These figures align with patterns typical of a university city, where student populations may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and retail crime. Seasonal context also plays a role: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, saw reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes such as vehicle theft or public order offences. However, the city's high density of students and academic institutions likely sustains higher rates of violence and property crimes compared to other areas. The data also highlights a significant disparity in specific crime categories: shoplifting in Cambridge was 142% above the UK average, while violence and sexual offences were 15% below. This contrast may stem from the city's unique characteristics, such as the concentration of retail spaces and the presence of a large student population, which could drive shoplifting while also fostering community initiatives that reduce violent crime. The overall rate, though elevated, shows a nuanced picture shaped by both local factors and broader national trends.

February 2025 saw a notable 34.2% decrease in bicycle theft compared to the previous month, with the number of such crimes falling from 111 to 73. This decline may be attributed to seasonal factors, as colder weather and reduced outdoor activity in winter months typically lower opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, theft from the person rose sharply by 116.7%, jumping from 12 to 26 incidents. This increase is particularly concerning and may reflect heightened caution among residents or a shift in criminal tactics. Other significant changes included a 27.1% drop in vehicle crime, likely linked to reduced traffic volumes and fewer pedestrians during colder months. In comparison to the UK average, shoplifting in Cambridge was 142% higher, underscoring the impact of the city's retail environment on crime patterns. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences were 15% below the UK average, suggesting that local measures or community engagement may be contributing to lower rates of violent crime. These shifts highlight the importance of monitoring both seasonal trends and the effectiveness of local initiatives in addressing specific crime types.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2025 (8.0 per 1,000) represented a 10.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.0 per 1,000, indicating a short-term improvement in overall safety. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 43 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally specific, provides a tangible sense of the scale of crime in Cambridge. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the city's population of 149,352, illustrates the relative frequency of crime in a densely populated urban environment. This rate is higher than the UK average, which may be influenced by Cambridge's unique characteristics, such as its academic institutions and high foot traffic. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a positive trend, as the decline in crime aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in similar urban areas. However, the persistence of certain high-rate categories, such as shoplifting, suggests that targeted interventions may still be necessary to address these specific challenges.