Cambridge Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime profile in May 2025 reveals a total of 1,429 reported crimes, equating to 9.6 incidents per 1,000 residents — a figure 18.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate, when scaled to Cambridge's population of 149,352, translates to over one crime for every 105 residents during the month. The city's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (25.8% of total), shoplifting (17.5%), and anti-social behaviour (17.1%), with these categories collectively accounting for 60.4% of all reported incidents. The seasonal context of May — with its extended evenings, bank holidays, and increased social activity — likely contributes to the elevated levels of violence and public order offences. Shoplifting, at 1.7 per 1,000, is 154% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may be attributed to Cambridge's high concentration of retail spaces and university-related foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, is 13% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the city's density and the social dynamics of its student population. Vehicle crime, though relatively low in absolute terms, saw a 129.2% increase compared to April, suggesting a seasonal or situational factor that may require further analysis. The city's crime picture, while not alarmingly high compared to other urban centres, underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and during peak social periods.

Vehicle crime surged by 129.2% in May, rising from 24 to 55 incidents — a spike that outpaces other categories and may reflect increased car ownership or targeted theft in university areas. Bicycle theft also saw a 38.9% increase, climbing to 75 cases, a figure that is 525% above the UK average. This anomaly suggests either a growing vulnerability in bike security measures or a shift in criminal focus towards easily transportable assets. Anti-social behaviour rose by 23.1%, reaching 245 incidents — a 13% increase over the UK average that may be linked to the city's vibrant social calendar, including university term times and bank holidays. Theft from the person fell by 22.6%, dropping from 31 to 24 cases, a decline that could indicate improved public awareness or police presence in high-risk areas. The mix of crimes remains skewed towards property offences, with 661 property crimes (46.2% of total) compared to 369 violent crimes (25.8%), a balance that contrasts with UK averages where property crime typically accounts for a smaller share.

Cambridge's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 10.3% increase from April's 8.7 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 46 crimes reported each day in the city, a figure that, while localised, highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity in a densely populated urban area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 105 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a significant portion of the population interacts with the criminal justice system. With Cambridge's population at 149,352, this equates to over 1,400 crimes in total — a stark reminder of the scale of incidents even in a relatively compact city. The rise in violent crimes and property-related offences contrasts with the UK average, though vehicle crime and bicycle theft have seen particularly sharp increases. These figures, when contextualised against Cambridge's academic and commercial character, suggest that the city's unique social dynamics — from student populations to high foot traffic in retail zones — may contribute to these patterns.