Cambridge Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's population of 149,352 faced 1,429 reported crimes in May 2025, translating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 18.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects local characteristics. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (25.8% of total), shoplifting (17.5%), and anti-social behaviour (17.1%), with the latter two both significantly exceeding UK averages. The seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays and extended evenings—likely contributed to increased socialising and outdoor activity, which may partly explain the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour. Cambridge's role as a university city, with a high concentration of students, could also underpin the elevated rates of bicycle theft (525% above UK average) and shoplifting (154% above UK average), as these demographics often interact with retail and transport environments. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences—though high locally—remained 12% below the UK average, suggesting potential effectiveness in local policing or community initiatives. The interplay between Cambridge's academic and social landscape and its crime profile is evident, with property crimes dominating over violent crimes (property crimes accounted for 46.2% of all incidents). This pattern aligns with the presence of retail hubs and university campuses, which are known to drive shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The data also reveals a marked contrast in specific categories: while vehicle crime and bicycle theft surged, theft from the person decreased, indicating varied success in addressing different crime types. These findings paint a nuanced picture of Cambridge's crime environment, shaped by its unique demographic and geographic factors.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 129.2% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 24 to 55 incidents, a jump that may reflect increased traffic during bank holidays or events. Bicycle theft also surged by 38.9%, with 75 reported cases compared to 54 in April, potentially linked to warmer weather and more cycling activity. Anti-social behaviour rose by 23.1%, from 199 to 245 incidents, a trend that could be connected to longer evenings and outdoor socialising during May. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 22.6%, with 24 reports compared to 31 in April, indicating improved security measures or reduced opportunities. Shoplifting remained a standout issue, with rates 154% above the UK average, while violence and sexual offences—though 12% below the UK average—accounted for 25.8% of all crimes, underscoring their dominance in the local crime mix. These shifts highlight both emerging challenges and areas of relative success in Cambridge's crime profile.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 10.3% increase from the previous month's 8.7 per 1,000. This shift places the area 18.5% above the UK average, highlighting a notable divergence in local crime trends. Over the course of May, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 105 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. Daily, the area saw approximately 46 crimes reported, underscoring the steady presence of criminal activity. When compared to the UK average, Cambridge's elevated rates in categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour suggest unique local pressures. The population context—Cambridge's status as a university city with a transient student population—may partly explain the higher incidence of bicycle theft and shoplifting, which are 525% and 154% above UK averages, respectively. These figures, while concerning, are consistent with the area's demographic and geographic profile, where high foot traffic and academic activity create environments conducive to certain types of crime.