Ely Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Ely

Ely, a notable urban settlement within East Cambridgeshire, currently records an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions Ely as considerably safer than the national average, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000. The area also boasts a strong safety score of 87 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average safety score of 78, indicating a relatively secure environment for its residents. However, recent trends show an increasing trajectory, with an 8.4% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This upward trend warrants attention as we delve into the detailed crime breakdown and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis in Ely

In Ely, the most prevalent crime type is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.8% of all incidents, at a rate of 20.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, comprising 22.6% of crimes, or 13.6 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson is the third most frequent offence, making up 9.3% of the total, with a rate of 5.6 per 1,000. These three categories represent the primary challenges within the local crime landscape.

Property-related crime, encompassing criminal damage and arson, shoplifting, other theft, vehicle crime, burglary, bicycle theft, theft from the person, and robbery, registers a rate of 20.0 per 1,000 people in Ely. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that homeowners and residents face a comparatively lower risk in this category. Nevertheless, remaining aware of these specific crime types can help residents implement targeted security measures to protect their homes and possessions effectively.

Crime Trends in Ely

Ely has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with an 8.4% rise in overall reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some notable fluctuations. The crime rate saw significant spikes in February 2025, reaching 5.9 per 1,000, and again in August 2025, when it peaked at 7.4 per 1,000. In contrast, the lowest rate was observed in May 2025, at 4.0 per 1,000. These monthly variations indicate periods of increased criminal activity, particularly towards the latter part of the year. For residents, this increasing trend suggests a need for heightened awareness and a proactive approach to personal and property security.

Crime Time Patterns in Ely

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Ely reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related incidents are particularly notable, accounting for 44% of crimes, with vehicle crime at 13% and burglary at 8%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the primary concern, rising slightly to 48%, while burglary is also a significant factor at 13%. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other crimes' dominating at 56%, alongside some theft (20%) and vehicle crime (13%). Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes more prominent, representing 34% of incidents, with 'other crimes' at 41% and burglary at 15%. This hourly breakdown highlights the varying risks and types of crime prevalent at different times, enabling residents to tailor their vigilance accordingly.

Regional Crime Comparison

To provide a broader perspective on Ely's crime landscape, it is beneficial to compare it with similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 and a safety score of 87/100, Ely presents a generally positive picture. For example, Witchford records a very similar crime rate of 59.8 per 1,000 and a safety score of 86/100, indicating comparable safety levels. In contrast, Little Downham appears significantly safer, with a crime rate of 35.7 per 1,000 and a safety score of 90/100. Other nearby settlements like Little Thetford and Coveney, while not detailed here, generally reflect the rural and semi-rural characteristics of the wider East Cambridgeshire district. This comparison helps residents understand Ely's relative safety within its immediate geographical context.

Protecting Your Home in Ely

With Ely's property crime rate at 20.0 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it remains important for residents to consider robust home security solutions. Traditional security cameras, such as Ring or Nest, primarily serve to record incidents after they've occurred, providing evidence rather than prevention. For true peace of mind, a proactive approach to security is essential.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers advanced prevention by detecting threats at your property boundary before a break-in can happen. Unlike reactive systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously, learning routines to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. This enables an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to deter potential intruders, effectively destroying their element of surprise. Investing in professional-grade equipment like scOS ensures that your property signals serious protection, making burglars think twice within the critical 60-second decision window and encouraging them to move on to easier targets.