Cambridge Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 30.3% above the UK average of 6.6. This figure underscores a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety, particularly given the city's status as a major academic hub. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.3% of total incidents), shoplifting (16.0%), and anti-social behaviour (13.4%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a university city, where the combination of a transient student population, high foot traffic in retail areas, and a vibrant nightlife contributes to elevated rates of certain offences. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.5 per 1,000, were 2% above the UK average, while shoplifting—driven by the city's retail presence—was 155% above the national figure. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded UK averages by 21%, likely linked to the social dynamics of a densely populated urban area. Seasonal factors may have played a role in these trends, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter days, which could influence the frequency of outdoor crimes. However, the sharp rise in theft from the person and the extreme outlier of bicycle theft—650% above the UK average—suggest that local-specific factors, such as the high number of cyclists and the presence of university campuses, are significant contributors to the city's unique crime profile. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where students and residents congregate, as well as continued monitoring of crime patterns that deviate from national averages.

January 2026 witnessed a 75% surge in theft from the person, rising from 16 to 28 incidents, a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This spike, coupled with a 66.7% increase in possession of weapons (from 12 to 20 cases), highlights shifting patterns in violent crime. Meanwhile, vehicle crime climbed by 39.5% (from 38 to 53), suggesting potential links to post-holiday vehicle movements or seasonal changes in parking behavior. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 29.3%, a drop from 92 to 65 incidents, possibly reflecting reduced nightlife activity during the colder months. The most extreme outlier remains bicycle theft, which, at 0.3 per 1,000, is 650% above the UK average of 0.0 per 1,000. This anomaly may be attributed to the city's dense student population and the high concentration of bicycles in urban areas. Residents concerned about personal safety may find the sharp rise in theft from the person particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a need for heightened awareness in public spaces.

Cambridge's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.7. This translates to roughly 41 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 117 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for the frequency of incidents in a city of 149,352 people. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK average, the shift in crime types—particularly the notable rise in theft from the person and vehicle crime—suggests evolving patterns that may be influenced by seasonal factors or local dynamics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cambridge's crime profile, though higher than the UK average, reflects a combination of urban density, academic institutions, and the post-holiday environment typical of January.