Cambridge Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Cambridge’s crime profile in November 2025, accounting for 29.9% of all reported crimes—381 incidents in total. This figure, at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, is 1% above the UK average, reflecting the area’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics. As a major university city, Cambridge’s population includes a high proportion of students, who may contribute to patterns of violence, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and academic institutions. Shoplifting follows as the second most common crime, with 173 incidents reported—1.2 per 1,000 residents, 90% above the UK average. This stark contrast with the UK suggests that Cambridge’s retail environment, particularly in high-traffic areas like the city centre, may be particularly vulnerable to theft. Anti-social behaviour, the third most frequent category, saw a 36.7% decrease compared to October, though it remains 15% below the UK average. This decline may be partially attributed to the shorter daylight hours of November, which could reduce opportunities for such activities. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday, and the onset of darker evenings—likely exacerbates certain crime trends, such as the surge in theft from the person and shoplifting. These patterns are consistent with historical data showing increased property-related crimes during periods of heightened consumer activity and reduced visibility. Cambridge’s crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents, 16.4% above the UK average, underscores the need for continued focus on targeted interventions, particularly in areas where local factors intersect with national trends.

November 2025 saw a 131.6% surge in theft from the person, jumping from 19 to 44 incidents. This increase, occurring against the backdrop of Black Friday shopping, aligns with seasonal patterns where retail environments become more vulnerable to opportunistic crime. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 10.2%, with 173 incidents reported—90% above the UK average for this category. The sharp contrast between this rise and the 36.7% drop in anti-social behaviour (from 207 to 131) suggests shifting dynamics in public spaces, possibly influenced by the shorter days of November and reduced foot traffic in certain areas. Cambridge’s drug-related crime rate is 159% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the 14.1% increase in criminal damage and arson, which could be linked to illicit activities. These findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to address specific vulnerabilities while leveraging the decline in anti-social behaviour as a potential indicator of effective local initiatives.

Cambridge’s November 2025 crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents remains 16.4% above the UK average, but marks a 5.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.1. This monthly decline suggests some stabilisation after a peak in October, though the area still faces challenges relative to national benchmarks. On a daily basis, Cambridge recorded an average of 42 crimes per day in November, a figure that underscores the persistent demand for local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 117 residents, a ratio that, while lower than the daily rate, reflects the cumulative exposure of Cambridge’s population to crime. With a population of 149,352, this translates to a manageable but non-trivial burden on community safety. The comparison to the UK average highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in categories where Cambridge significantly outperforms or underperforms national trends. For instance, shoplifting rates are 90% higher than the UK average, while anti-social behaviour is 15% lower, illustrating the combination of local factors and broader patterns.