Burwell Crime Rate

Burwell's crime rate has risen by 10% year-on-year, with robbery increasing by 100% — a sharp spike that stands out against the town's otherwise very safe profile. Despite this, Burwell remains 53% below the UK average, with a safety score of 90/100. The most surprising finding is that shoplifting, typically linked to retail hubs, is 53% below the UK average, suggesting unique local factors are at play.

Burwell is a historic market town in East Cambridgeshire, known for its proximity to Cambridge and its mix of residential, commercial, and rural areas. Its low population density and strong community networks likely contribute to lower crime rates. However, the presence of commuter routes and local amenities may explain occasional spikes in anti-social behaviour or vehicle crime, particularly during peak hours.

The most surprising finding is that shoplifting in Burwell is 53% below the UK average, despite the town's retail activity. This may reflect effective local policing or the absence of large commercial hubs that typically drive such crimes. Violence and sexual offences have risen by 44% YoY but remain 40% below the UK average, likely due to the town's tight-knit community and limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour has also increased by 42% YoY, possibly linked to seasonal fluctuations in transient populations. Burglary, though rising by 54% YoY, remains 7% below the UK average, suggesting that the town's single-family homes and low-density housing may deter intruders compared to urban areas.

Burwell's crime rate has increased by 10.0% year-on-year, with robbery surging by 100% — the most dramatic rise. This spike may be due to isolated incidents rather than systemic issues. The monthly trend shows a sharp peak in June 2025 (5.6 per 1,000) followed by a decline, likely tied to seasonal factors like increased tourism or summer activity. While violence and sexual offences have risen by 44% YoY, they remain 40% below the UK average. The overall trend suggests that Burwell's safety profile remains strong despite these increases.

How To Keep Safe in Burwell

Given Burwell's rising robbery rate (+100% YoY), consider securing valuables in vehicles during evening hours. For the 54% YoY increase in burglary, ensure windows are closed and doors locked when away. Vehicle crime has risen by 71% YoY — avoid leaving keys in cars or displaying expensive items. Anti-social behaviour has increased by 42% YoY — report incidents promptly to maintain the town's safety. For shoplifting, which remains 53% below the UK average, keep valuables out of sight in public areas.

Crime in Burwell peaks in the afternoon and evening, with burglary and theft concentrated between 12pm–6pm and 6pm–12am. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), likely due to unoccupied cars in residential areas. The absence of violence and sexual offences during morning hours may reflect the town's quiet, family-oriented character. Evening and night hours see higher rates of burglary, possibly tied to after-work activity, while other crimes like public order issues drop on Sundays, aligning with reduced commercial activity.

Burwell's crime rate (42.6 per 1,000) is 144% lower than Exning (103.9 per 1,000), reflecting stark differences in local demographics and policing. Swaffham Prior (58.8 per 1,000) has a 38% higher rate than Burwell, likely due to its proximity to Cambridge and higher transient populations.

In Burwell's low-crime environment, scOS offers proportionate protection without excessive measures. Its AI monitors property boundaries to detect threats before break-ins, reducing false alarms by learning household patterns. For the town's rising vehicle crime, scOS's DVLA verification can flag suspicious vehicles, while automated lighting deters opportunistic theft. With a safety score of 90/100, scOS ensures Burwell's low crime rate works in residents' favour, providing real-time deterrence without compromising the area's character.