Cambridge Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge’s crime rate in February 2026 was 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 15.6% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the city’s role as a major university hub and its dense urban environment. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.5% of total), shoplifting (17.5%), and anti-social behaviour (13.6%). Violence and sexual offences, though accounting for the largest share, were 14% below the UK average, a contrast to shoplifting, which was 124% above the national rate. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may have influenced patterns, with some crimes like burglary declining as residents remained indoors. However, the sharp increase in bicycle theft and shoplifting underscores the unique challenges of a city with a high student population and vibrant retail sector. Cambridge’s crime profile is shaped by its academic community, with bicycle theft (900% above the UK average) and shoplifting (124% above) reflecting the demands of a densely populated, transient population. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK, the city’s ability to reduce certain categories, such as burglary, demonstrates the potential for targeted initiatives to mitigate crime in specific areas.

February 2026 saw notable decreases in burglary, which fell by 43.9% compared to the previous month, and possession of weapons, which dropped by 60%. These reductions may reflect heightened community engagement or targeted policing efforts during the winter months. Conversely, shoplifting incidents rose by 12.5% to 54 cases, remaining 124% above the UK average—a stark contrast to the UK’s much lower rate of 0.6 per 1,000. Bicycle theft also increased by 12.5%, aligning with Cambridge’s status as a university city where cycling is prevalent. Meanwhile, other crime surged by 58.8%, a category that includes a range of non-specific offences. The UK average for bicycle theft is zero, highlighting a unique challenge in Cambridge. Residents might find the 43.9% drop in burglary, which fell from 57 to 32 incidents, particularly reassuring amid ongoing concerns about property crime.

Cambridge's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, a 13.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.6 per 1,000. This decline suggests a possible seasonal moderation in criminal activity, consistent with February’s position as a pre-spring lull in outdoor activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 40 crimes per day, a figure that, while local to Cambridge, offers a tangible sense of the pace of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of crime within the population. This figure, though not directly comparable to UK-wide metrics, underscores the localised nature of Cambridge’s crime profile. The reduction in burglary and possession of weapons, alongside the rise in other crime, highlights shifting patterns that may reflect targeted interventions or seasonal influences.