Ely Crime Rate

Ely's crime rate of 62.6 per 1,000 residents is 31% below the UK average, but the 77.3% surge in drugs-related offences stands out. Despite this, the town remains significantly safer than most UK areas, with property crime 33.9% below the national average. The sharp rise in drug-related crime, however, warrants closer scrutiny.

Ely is a historic market town in East Cambridgeshire, known for its cathedral and vibrant community. As a built-up area with a mix of residential, retail, and tourist attractions, it experiences crime patterns shaped by foot traffic, commuter activity, and seasonal tourism. The presence of a cathedral and nearby universities may influence anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates, while its compact layout may contribute to higher property crime visibility.

The most surprising finding in Ely's crime breakdown is the 77.3% year-on-year increase in drugs-related offences, despite remaining 54% below the UK average. This sharp rise may reflect improved reporting or regional supply chain shifts. Violence and sexual offences, though 33.4% below the UK average, are the most common crime type (20.9 per 1,000), likely linked to the town's social hubs and nightlife. Shoplifting (6.3 per 1,000) is 17% below the UK average but has risen 38.5% YoY, possibly due to increased retail footfall from tourists and students. Anti-social behaviour (13.8 per 1,000) is 7% below the UK average, likely influenced by the town's community focus and proactive policing. Vehicle crime (2.5 per 1,000), though 48% below the UK average, has risen 40% YoY, possibly due to increased commuter parking in the town centre.

Ely's overall crime rate increased 7.6% year-on-year, with a sharp 77.3% rise in drugs-related offences. The monthly trend shows a peak of 7.4 per 1,000 in August, likely tied to seasonal tourism and university term patterns. Despite this, Ely remains 31.3% below the UK average. Shoplifting rose 38.5% YoY, possibly due to increased foot traffic from tourists. Vehicle crime climbed 40% YoY, likely linked to commuter parking. However, anti-social behaviour and public order crimes fell by 26.3% and 13.6% YoY, respectively, indicating some success in community policing efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Ely

Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, especially in the town centre where vehicle crime has risen 40% YoY. Secure retail items during peak shopping hours (afternoon) to combat shoplifting, which has surged 38.5% YoY. Report suspicious drug activity promptly, as this category has risen 77.3% YoY. Use well-lit routes in the evening, when burglary accounts for 15% of night crimes. Community vigilance around the cathedral area can help mitigate anti-social behaviour.

Crime in Ely shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (48% of afternoon crimes), aligning with retail activity and shopping hours. Vehicle crime spikes at night (35% of night crimes), likely due to unattended cars in the town centre. Burglary is most common in the evening (12%) and night (15%), suggesting opportunistic intrusions during low-visibility hours. Other crimes dominate overnight (40% of night crimes), possibly reflecting isolated incidents or unreported activity. These patterns align with Ely's mix of daytime commerce and nocturnal social activity.

Ely's crime rate of 62.6 per 1,000 is 69% higher than Little Downham's 37.1 but 17% lower than Witchford's 73.6. Little Downham's lower rate may reflect its smaller population and more rural character, while Witchford's higher rate could be linked to its proximity to major transport routes and higher commuter activity.

For Ely's specific crime profile, scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification is critical, given the 40% YoY rise in vehicle crime. Proactive boundary detection can deter burglars, who account for 1.7 per 1,000 crimes (49% below UK average). Simultaneous multi-camera monitoring is ideal for retail areas, where shoplifting has risen 38.5% YoY. Behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms in a town with 13.8 per 1,000 anti-social behaviour incidents.