Cambridge Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's January 2025 crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents places it 26.8% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This divergence is most pronounced in bicycle theft, which occurs at 0.7 per 1,000 — 1300% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. As a university city with a high student population, Cambridge's reliance on bicycles for transport likely contributes to this anomaly. The most common crime category remains violence and sexual offences (25.8% of total crimes).3 per 1,000 is 8% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Shoplifting also stands out, with 1.7 per 1,000 incidents — 174% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This may reflect the city's dense retail corridors and the post-holiday period, which typically sees reduced footfall but persistent retail theft. Seasonal factors in January, including shorter daylight hours and post-Christmas retail activity, may have influenced patterns. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed toward property crimes, which account for 50.4% of total incidents, compared to 25.8% for violent crimes. This contrasts with the UK national profile, where property crimes typically make up a smaller share. Cambridge's unique demographic mix — combining academic institutions, tourist attractions, and commuter populations — creates a crime profile distinct from many UK cities.

Bicycle theft surged by 38.8% in January 2025, rising from 80 to 111 incidents. This sharp increase, occurring at 0.7 per 1,000 residents — 1300% above the UK average — highlights vulnerabilities in securing cycling infrastructure during colder months. Meanwhile, shoplifting also rose by 38.1%, with 250 incidents reported. This 1.7 per 1,000 rate is 174% above the UK average, suggesting targeted retail theft patterns that may be linked to the city's high street density. In contrast, theft from the person fell by 64.7%, dropping from 34 to 12 incidents. This 0.1 per 1,000 rate is 38% below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic in January compared to summer months. The crime mix shows a notable shift toward property-related offences, with shoplifting and bicycle theft accounting for 37.1% of all crimes — a 18.4 percentage point increase from December 2024. This shift may be partly explained by the seasonal context: January's post-holiday period often sees a spike in retail theft, while the reduced daylight hours may deter some violent crimes. The UK comparison for anti-social behaviour (12% above average) and criminal damage (37% above average) further underscores Cambridge's distinct challenges, likely tied to its student population and the transient nature of university communities.

Cambridge's January 2025 crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents marks a 4.5% increase from December 2024's rate of 8.6 per 1,000. This rise, though modest, is significant when considered alongside the city's population of 149,352. On a daily basis, 43 crimes were reported in January — a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 111 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while not inherently alarming, provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge's crime rate is higher than the UK average, particularly in categories like bicycle theft and shoplifting. For instance, the 0.7 per 1,000 rate for bicycle theft in Cambridge compares to the UK's 0.1 per 1,000, a 1300% disparity that may reflect the city's cycling culture and infrastructure gaps. Similarly, shoplifting's 1.7 per 1,000 rate — 174% above the UK average — suggests a need for targeted retail security measures. These comparisons highlight Cambridge's unique position as a university city with distinct crime drivers, including transient populations and high foot traffic in commercial areas. While the overall rate remains within typical urban parameters, the UK comparisons for specific offences indicate areas where local strategies may need refinement to align with national benchmarks.