Cambridge Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Cambridge’s crime profile in November 2025, accounting for nearly 30% of all reported crimes. With an overall rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents—16.4% above the UK average—this university city continues to face challenges that reflect its unique demographic and social landscape. The prevalence of violence, particularly in the context of late-night university areas, is consistent with Cambridge’s reputation as a hub for academic and social activity. Shoplifting, which constitutes 13.6% of total crimes, remains high compared to the UK average, with Cambridge’s rate 90% above the national figure. This may be attributed to the city’s high foot traffic, particularly in retail zones near the University of Cambridge and the city centre. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than in previous months, still contributes 10.3% of all crimes, suggesting that seasonal factors such as the transition from term time to holiday periods may influence such incidents. The month’s context—marked by Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping—likely amplifies risks for property crimes and theft, though the overall crime rate saw a slight decrease from October. Cambridge’s position as a major academic and research centre means that its crime patterns are shaped by the interplay of student populations, transient residents, and the city’s infrastructure. While the rate of violent crime remains elevated, the decrease in anti-social behaviour and bicycle theft indicates that targeted interventions or seasonal shifts may be mitigating some risks. However, the persistent gap between Cambridge’s crime rates and the UK average in categories like drug offences (159% above the national rate) suggests that deeper systemic factors—such as the city’s role as a gateway for illicit markets—may require ongoing attention.

November 2025 saw a stark increase in theft from the person, rising from 19 to 44 incidents—a 131.6% surge that outpaced all other crime type changes. This spike aligns with the month’s seasonal context, as dark evenings and Black Friday shopping likely created opportunities for opportunistic theft. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 10.2%, with 173 incidents recorded, placing Cambridge 90% above the UK average for this category. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 36.7% (207 to 131) may reflect the end of university term breaks, which typically see higher levels of alcohol-related incidents. Bicycle theft, however, fell by 26.4% (72 to 53), a decline that contrasts with the 567% gap Cambridge maintains above the UK average for this crime type. These shifts highlight the volatility of crime patterns in a university city, where transient populations and seasonal events can dramatically influence crime rates.

Cambridge's crime rate in November 2025 fell by 5.7% compared to the previous month, dropping from 9.1 to 8.5 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late autumn, when university term breaks and reduced retail activity may temper certain crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded 42 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 117 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is consistent with Cambridge's population density and urban character, it remains 16.4% above the UK average. The population context reveals that Cambridge’s 149,352 residents experience a higher concentration of crime compared to the national average, particularly in categories like shoplifting and drug-related offences. This underscores the need for localised strategies that address the specific dynamics of a university city, where transient populations and high foot traffic can amplify certain crime risks.