East Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

East Cambridgeshire is one of the safest local authority districts in the United Kingdom, featuring a high safety score of 87/100. This is significantly better than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate in the area is 55.2 per 1,000 residents, which sits well below the national average of 93.1. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in the district is stable, with a 3.2% decrease year-over-year. This administrative area, which includes the city of Ely and the towns of Soham and Littleport, provides a secure environment for its population of over 92,000. The combination of low crime rates and a high safety score makes East Cambridgeshire a highly desirable location for residents and businesses alike.

About East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire is a predominantly rural and agricultural district, characterised by its historic market towns and high quality of life. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography, featuring low population density across the Fens and concentrated activity in hubs like Ely and Soham. The presence of major transport links, including the A10 and direct rail connections to London and Cambridge, introduces a transient population that can impact local crime figures, particularly regarding vehicle and transit-related incidents.

Economically, the district benefits from its proximity to the 'Silicon Fen' tech hub, leading to high employment rates and a generally affluent demographic. This affluence can occasionally attract opportunistic property crime, though the overall rates remain well below national averages. The local economy is supported by a mix of agriculture, high-tech manufacturing, and a growing tourism sector centred on Ely's heritage. These factors contribute to a stable social fabric, resulting in the district's impressive safety score of 87/100, making it one of the most secure administrative areas in the East of England.

Crime Breakdown in East Cambridgeshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in East Cambridgeshire, representing 37.2% of the total with 1,909 recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 20.5%, with criminal damage and arson making up 8.3%. These figures highlight that while the area is statistically very safe, social and behavioural issues remain the primary focus for local policing.

Property crime in the district—encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—stands at a rate of 17.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are more prevalent than residential burglary, which accounts for only 5.0% of total crime. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the risk of a break-in is low (2.7 per 1,000), there is a persistent need to secure outbuildings and vehicles against opportunistic theft. The low overall property crime rate reflects the district's effective community safety measures and its generally low-crime rural character.

Crime Trends in East Cambridgeshire

The crime trend in East Cambridgeshire is currently stable, with a modest 3.2% decrease in total offences over the last year. This consistency is a positive indicator for the district's long-term safety. Monthly data reveals that the crime rate typically fluctuates between 4.0 and 4.2 per 1,000 residents during the winter months, showing a resilient baseline.

A slight increase in activity was noted during the summer of 2025, with the rate peaking at 5.7 per 1,000 in August. This is a common seasonal trend as increased tourism and outdoor events in hubs like Ely often lead to a temporary rise in reported incidents. However, the rate returned to 4.6 by September, suggesting these spikes are transient rather than indicative of a growing problem. For residents, this stable trend confirms that East Cambridgeshire remains a secure environment, with local law enforcement successfully managing the minor fluctuations associated with seasonal changes.

East Cambridgeshire is bordered by several distinct areas, including the city of Cambridge, West Suffolk, Fenland, South Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and King's Lynn and West Norfolk. While some neighbouring urban centres like Cambridge naturally experience higher crime volumes, East Cambridgeshire maintains a consistently lower rate of 55.2 per 1,000. It serves as a safe, rural-suburban corridor for the region. Comparisons with areas like Fenland and West Suffolk show that East Cambridgeshire is a top performer for safety in the East of England, offering a more tranquil environment while remaining connected to major regional hubs. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking the security of a rural district without sacrificing accessibility.

Home Security in East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire's low property crime rate of 17.4 per 1,000 residents is a testament to the area's safety, but it does not mean homeowners should be complacent. In rural and semi-rural districts, the distance between properties can sometimes make them targets for opportunistic theft or burglary, which accounts for 5.0% of local crime. Traditional security systems, such as recording-only CCTV or basic alarms, often fail to prevent crime, instead providing evidence only after the damage is done.

To truly protect a property in East Cambridgeshire, a proactive approach is required. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crimes before they happen. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously with intelligent boundary detection, scOS identifies threats the moment they enter your property line. It doesn't just record; it responds autonomously with lights and sound to deter intruders. For residents in this safe district, scOS offers the ability to maintain that safety by ensuring that potential criminals move on before ever attempting a break-in, shifting the focus from reactive recording to active prevention.

How To Keep Safe in East Cambridgeshire

The most common crime type in East Cambridgeshire is violence and sexual offences. While the district is overall very safe, residents can take broad steps to enhance their personal and community security.

In the market towns of Ely, Soham, and Littleport, stay aware of your surroundings during evening hours and stick to well-lit routes when walking alone. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent report; engaging with local community policing teams and reporting incidents early can help prevent these issues from escalating. For those in more rural parts of the district, ensure that outbuildings, barns, and garages are properly secured with high-quality locks and lighting, as these are often targets for 'other theft'. Finally, participating in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is a highly effective way to stay informed about local trends and maintain the district's strong safety record through collective vigilance.