Ely Crime Rate

Ely's crime statistics, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While this suggests a relatively safer environment compared to the national average, it's important to acknowledge that crime rates have been increasing. The safety score for Ely stands at 86 out of 100, a positive indicator, but the 6.3% year-on-year increase in crime requires attention and proactive measures. The most reported crimes involve violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage.

Ely's crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.2% of all recorded crimes. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (22.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%). Shoplifting and other theft also contribute significantly to the overall crime picture, at 9.1% and 5.9% respectively. While vehicle crime represents a smaller proportion (3.8%), it’s still a factor for residents. Burglary, though relatively lower than other crime types, remains a concern, and requires vigilance from homeowners. The breakdown highlights a need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of these offences, particularly those related to violence and disorder within the community.

Crime in Ely has been steadily increasing, with a notable 6.3% rise year-on-year. This trend is evident when reviewing the monthly crime data from January 2025 to December 2025. While January recorded a relatively low 4.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, figures peaked in August at 7.4 per 1,000. Although there were fluctuations throughout the year, with a dip in May (4.0 per 1,000), the overall trend demonstrates a concerning upward trajectory. This increase warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors and the implementation of proactive crime prevention measures to safeguard the community.

How To Keep Safe in Ely

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Avoid walking through poorly lit areas at night and consider travelling with a friend or using a well-lit taxi service. Due to the frequency of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Vehicle crime is also a concern, so park in well-lit areas and consider a steering wheel lock. Finally, be vigilant against shoplifting and report any suspicious behaviour to store staff.

Crime in Ely tends to follow a predictable pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most common in the morning and afternoon, with a slight increase in the evening. Violence and sexual offences are more prevalent during the evening hours, particularly on weekends. Theft is often concentrated during commercial hours, reflecting opportunities arising from busier periods. Vehicle crime exhibits a distinct overnight peak, suggesting vulnerabilities during the early morning hours. Understanding these time-based trends can help residents and authorities to implement targeted crime prevention strategies.

Ely's crime rate is slightly lower than Witchford's, which stands at 67.1 per 1,000. However, it is significantly higher than Little Downham (36.4 per 1,000) and both Little Thetford and Coveney, which have recorded zero crimes per 1,000 residents. This suggests that while Ely benefits from a degree of safety, certain areas within the region experience considerably lower crime rates, highlighting the diverse safety landscape of East Cambridgeshire.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a record of events, but often only after a crime has occurred. With a crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 in Ely, proactive protection is crucial. scOS offers a different approach: AI-powered threat detection at your property boundary. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA and learning your family’s routines to only alert you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS can be a powerful deterrent; most burglars decide within 60 seconds, and the element of surprise is destroyed before they even attempt entry. Consider scOS if you’re looking for more than just a recording system – you want to prevent crime before it happens.