East Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire presents a notable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 55.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning the area as considerably safer than many parts of the country. The area boasts a strong safety score of 87 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, East Cambridgeshire has experienced a stable period, with a minor decrease of 2.1% in total crimes year-over-year. These statistics provide a foundational understanding of the local crime landscape, which will be explored in greater detail in the following sections.

What Contributes to Crime Statistics in East Cambridgeshire?

East Cambridgeshire is predominantly a rural and suburban district, characterised by its expansive agricultural land, charming market towns like Ely and Soham, and numerous smaller villages. This blend of characteristics significantly influences its crime statistics. The lower population density in many areas, compared to more urban centres, often correlates with lower rates of certain crimes, particularly those associated with dense populations such as violence and anti-social behaviour in concentrated public spaces.

Major employers are often linked to agriculture, tourism, and local services, rather than large industrial complexes, which can contribute to a more stable and less transient population. While transport hubs exist, they are not on the scale of major cities, which can limit certain types of opportunistic crime. The overall demographic tends to be settled, with strong community ties, which can act as a natural deterrent through neighbourhood watch schemes and increased communal vigilance. Economic factors, such as relatively stable employment in traditional sectors, may also contribute to the area's lower overall crime rate and higher safety score compared to national averages, fostering a generally secure environment for its residents.

Crime Type Analysis in East Cambridgeshire

An examination of crime types in East Cambridgeshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 37.8% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 20.9 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, making up 19.9% of crimes at 11.0 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most common offence, representing 8.2% of the total, with a rate of 4.5 per 1,000. Together, these three categories highlight key areas of concern for the community.

Looking at property-related crime, which encompasses offences such as burglary, other theft, shoplifting, vehicle crime, bicycle theft, theft from the person, robbery, and criminal damage and arson, East Cambridgeshire records a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While the overall property crime rate is reassuringly below the national average, residents and homeowners should remain vigilant. Understanding these specific crime patterns enables a more targeted approach to personal and property security.

Crime Trends in East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 2.1% in overall reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a generally consistent pattern, albeit with some minor fluctuations. For instance, the crime rate saw a low point in December 2024 at 4.0 per 1,000, and a similar figure in January 2025 at 4.1. Conversely, a higher rate was observed in August 2025, reaching 5.7 per 1,000. These monthly figures suggest that while there are minor ebbs and flows in criminal activity, the overall picture remains one of stability. For residents, this stable trend indicates that the local crime environment has not seen significant shifts, allowing for a consistent approach to safety and security measures.

Regional Crime Comparison

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare East Cambridgeshire with its neighbouring areas. With an overall crime rate of 55.3 per 1,000 and a safety score of 87/100, East Cambridgeshire performs favourably against many. For example, nearby Cambridge, as a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates. Areas like West Suffolk and Huntingdonshire, which share similar rural and suburban characteristics, may present comparable safety profiles. Fenland, often with more rural and dispersed populations, can have varying crime dynamics. South Cambridgeshire generally maintains a very low crime rate, aligning with or even surpassing East Cambridgeshire's safety. King's Lynn and West Norfolk, another diverse district, will have its own distinct crime patterns. This comparison highlights East Cambridgeshire's strong position within the region regarding safety and crime rates.

Protecting Your Home in East Cambridgeshire

Given East Cambridgeshire's property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it is still prudent to consider robust home security. Many traditional security solutions, such as standard CCTV cameras, primarily offer reactive recording; they provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred. However, true peace of mind comes from prevention, not just post-incident evidence.

Consider proactive security measures that deter crime before it happens. AI-powered systems like scOS offer a different approach by detecting threats at your property boundary. Rather than merely recording an event, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between genuine threats and everyday activities. This allows for real-time intervention, such as activating lights and engaging speakers, to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For those serious about protecting their homes, professional-grade systems like scOS signal serious protection, making burglars decide within 60 seconds that your property is not an easy target, encouraging them to move on.