Ely Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Ely in May 2024 reveals a distinct balance between property-related and violent offences, shaped by the area’s character as a built-up region within East Cambridgeshire. With a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents — 35.7% below the UK average — the area demonstrates a consistently low level of criminal activity compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (29.5% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (25.9%) and shoplifting (11.5%). This distribution suggests a focus on interpersonal disputes and public order issues, rather than the high-frequency property crimes often seen in larger urban centres. The seasonal context of May, with its extended evenings and increased outdoor socialising, likely contributes to the prominence of anti-social behaviour and violence, as these factors can amplify conflicts in public spaces. However, Ely’s crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, a trend that may be influenced by its relatively small population, strong community engagement, or effective local policing. The low rates of vehicle crime (57% below UK average) and theft from the person (100% below UK average) further reinforce the area’s safety profile, though the 29% increase in burglary (from 4 to 9 incidents) indicates a need for continued vigilance in residential areas. Overall, Ely’s crime mix illustrates a community where property-related issues and public order concerns dominate, but where the overall risk to residents remains markedly lower than the national average.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 128.6% (7 to 16 incidents) — a sharp increase that may be linked to the start of the summer shopping season and longer evenings. Burglary also rose by 125% (4 to 9), potentially reflecting heightened activity during bank holidays or increased foot traffic in residential areas. Bicycle theft doubled from zero to two incidents, a spike that could be connected to the reopening of local cycle paths or increased recreational use. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 50% (from 4 to 2), and possession of weapons dropped by two-thirds (from 3 to 1), suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity during the month. Ely’s violent crime rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 44% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 29.5% share of total crimes attributed to violence and sexual offences. This imbalance highlights a unique crime profile, where property-related offences (anti-social behaviour, shoplifting) dominate over violent crime, a pattern consistent with Ely’s character as a relatively tranquil built-up area. Residents may find the 128.6% rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it could indicate vulnerabilities in retail security during the spring season.

Ely’s crime rate in May 2024 (5.4 per 1,000 residents) represents a 2.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that aligns with its classification as a built-up area within East Cambridgeshire, where crime rates are generally lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 184 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this community. When compared to the UK average, Ely’s overall crime rate is 35.7% below, a gap that highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the area’s socio-economic profile. This context is crucial for residents, as it illustrates that while Ely’s crime rate is low, the slight month-on-month decline suggests ongoing efforts to maintain public safety. The population-scaled perspective further reinforces that Ely’s residents face a significantly lower risk of victimisation than the national average, though specific crime types like burglary and shoplifting remain areas of focus.