Ely Crime Rate

Ely is a historic cathedral city that maintains an impressive safety profile, with a safety score of 87/100. This is considerably higher than the UK average of 78. The city's overall crime rate stands at 61.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. However, recent data shows that crime in Ely is on an increasing trend, with a 9.3% rise year-over-year. As the primary urban hub of East Cambridgeshire, Ely's statistics reflect its status as a centre for retail, tourism, and transport. Despite the recent increase, Ely remains one of the safest small cities in the country, offering a secure environment for its population of over 25,000.

Crime Breakdown in Ely

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Ely, making up 32.6% of all crime with 511 recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.6% and criminal damage and arson at 9.4%. As the urban centre of East Cambridgeshire, Ely experiences a concentration of these social and behavioural offences typical of a historic city and transport hub.

Property crime in Ely—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the surrounding rural district but still well below the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is a notable factor within this category, accounting for 8.8% of total crime, driven by the city's retail core. Residential burglary remains low at 2.5% of total incidents. For residents, this indicates that while the city is safe, the urban environment necessitates greater attention to vehicle security and retail-related theft than in more isolated villages. Maintaining visible security measures is key to deterring the opportunistic crimes that can occur in busy city centres.

Crime Trends in Ely

The crime trend in Ely is currently increasing, with a year-over-year rise of 9.3%. This is a significant shift compared to the broader East Cambridgeshire district, which has seen a stable trend. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate in Ely fluctuated, starting at 4.6 per 1,000 in November 2024 and reaching a substantial peak of 7.4 in August 2025.

This summer peak is likely linked to increased visitor numbers and city centre activity during the holiday season. While the rate dropped to 4.9 in September, it rose again to 5.7 in October, indicating a higher baseline of reported crime than in previous years. For residents, this upward trend highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and investing in robust home and vehicle security to mitigate the effects of this recent increase in local criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Ely

The most common crime type in Ely is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in busier urban areas. To maintain your safety in the city, follow these practical suggestions.

When navigating the city centre or the area around the railway station, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated routes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most reported issue; reporting such incidents to the local police helps them identify hotspots and deploy resources more effectively. For residents and business owners, the city's shoplifting rate (8.8%) suggests that retail security and situational awareness in commercial areas are important. Additionally, ensure your vehicle is parked in well-lit areas or secure driveways, as vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night. Engaging with the Ely City Neighbourhood Watch can also provide you with localized safety updates and community support.

Crime Patterns in Ely

Crime in Ely follows distinct temporal patterns that reflect its urban character. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 47% of crimes during these hours, largely driven by shoplifting in the city's retail centre. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see significant theft activity at 44%.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of reported crime shifts, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rising to 56% of incidents. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a notable spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 32% of reports during this period, alongside a peak in burglary at 15%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is primarily retail and opportunistic theft, night-time risks are more focused on property and vehicle security, necessitating different safety approaches depending on the time of day.

Ely sits at the heart of East Cambridgeshire, surrounded by smaller settlements such as Witchford, Little Downham, Little Thetford, and Coveney. Compared to its immediate neighbours, Ely's crime rate of 61.0 per 1,000 is slightly lower than Witchford (63.6) but higher than the more rural Little Downham (31.6). Areas like Little Thetford and Coveney report negligible crime rates, typical of small fenland villages. Ely serves as the regional hub for these communities, and while it naturally experiences more urban-related crime, it remains a significantly safer alternative to larger nearby cities like Cambridge. This makes Ely a balanced choice for those seeking city amenities with a higher level of local security.

Home Security in Ely

With a property crime rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents, Ely is a safe city, but the recent 9.3% increase in crime suggests that homeowners should consider upgrading their security. In an urban environment like Ely, opportunistic theft and shoplifting are more common, and residential burglary, while low, is a constant threat. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, often only record footage of a crime as it happens, which does little to prevent the incident or protect your property in real-time.

For residents who want to stay ahead of local trends, scOS offers a proactive solution. This AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and respond autonomously with lights and speakers before an intruder ever reaches your door. This active deterrence is far more effective than reactive recording, particularly in a city setting where speed is of the essence. By choosing a system that intervenes, Ely homeowners can help ensure their property remains secure despite any rising local trends.