Cambridge Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cambridge's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 26.5% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure underscores a combination of local factors, including the city's role as a university hub and its dense urban fabric. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.3% of all crimes, with 375 reported incidents—matching the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000. However, shoplifting emerged as a stark outlier, with 205 cases recorded, 146% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This discrepancy likely reflects Cambridge's high concentration of retail spaces, student populations, and the post-holiday period, which may have temporarily amplified opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour (171 cases) and public order offences (83 cases) also exceeded UK averages by 18% and 43% respectively, suggesting challenges in managing public spaces during colder months. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, reduced retail footfall, and post-holiday lulls—may have contributed to these patterns, though the city's vibrant student community and academic calendar could also play a role. These figures highlight the need for targeted strategies to address shoplifting and anti-social behaviour while maintaining the balance between public safety and the city's unique character.

January 2026 saw a 75% surge in theft from the person, rising from 16 to 28 incidents. This spike, alongside a 66.7% increase in possession of weapons, suggests shifting patterns in violent crime or increased policing focus. Shoplifting remains Cambridge's most striking outlier, with 205 cases—146% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. The sharp 39.5% rise in vehicle crime (38 to 53) may reflect colder weather driving more indoor activity near parking areas. Conversely, bicycle theft fell 15.8% to 48, potentially linked to seasonal reductions in cycling or improved security measures. Drug-related offences dropped 29.3% (92 to 65), a decline that contrasts with other categories but aligns with UK-wide trends in some regions. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in a university city, where student populations and seasonal rhythms intersect.

Cambridge's crime rate in January 2026 rose 11.0% from 7.7 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, marking the highest monthly rate since the previous year. Daily crime figures reveal 41 reported incidents each day, a stark contrast to the UK's broader averages. Over the course of the month, one crime was recorded for every 117 residents, a monthly exposure figure that underscores the density of incidents relative to the area's population. While the 149,352 residents of Cambridge face a rate 26.5% above the UK average, the daily context illustrates persistent activity across multiple crime categories. This rate, when scaled to the local population, highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime clusters, such as retail hubs or student neighbourhoods. The comparison to the previous month reveals a consistent upward trend, suggesting seasonal or structural factors may be influencing patterns.