East Cambridgeshire Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 92,906, East Cambridgeshire recorded 385 crimes in September 2023, translating to 1 reported crime for every 241 residents over the month. This crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents places the area 48.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap consistent with the region’s relatively low-density, rural-adjacent character. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.8% of the total, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.1%) and criminal damage and arson (11.7%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for these categories, where violence and sexual offences were 49% higher and anti-social behaviour 48% higher. The seasonal context of September—back-to-school periods and university freshers’ arrival—likely contributes to the prominence of violent and disorderly incidents, as heightened social activity in town centres and campuses may increase opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, property crimes like shoplifting and vehicle crime were 46% and 38% below the UK average, respectively, suggesting that the area’s quieter commercial zones and lower foot traffic may reduce opportunities for theft. The relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average could also reflect East Cambridgeshire’s stable communities, with fewer transient populations and strong local policing presence, though these factors remain speculative without further data.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson rising by 50% compared to August, a jump from 30 to 45 incidents. This increase may be linked to the start of the academic year, as students and staff returning to campuses and towns could lead to more vandalism in shared spaces. Burglary also rose by 15.8%, from 19 to 22 cases, though this remains below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, theft from the person fell sharply by 66.7%, from 3 to 1 incident, reflecting reduced foot traffic in retail areas as schools and universities began their terms. Bicycle theft dropped by 42.9% (7 to 4 cases), due to fewer students cycling to campus in September. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly below the UK average (49% lower), while anti-social behaviour was 48% below the national rate. These disparities highlight the area’s unique profile, where community-focused policing and lower population density may mitigate certain crime types. For residents, the sharp decline in theft from the person offers a tangible example of how seasonal trends can influence local crime dynamics.

East Cambridgeshire’s crime rate in September 2023 (4.1 per 1,000) was 5.9% lower than August’s rate of 4.4 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area’s population size. Over the course of the month, this translates to one reported crime for every 241 residents—a ratio that suggests a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average, where crime rates are nearly double. When scaled to the local population, the 385 total crimes represent a manageable burden for a district of 92,906 people, with no single category overwhelming the overall picture. The decline from August aligns with typical September patterns, as the end of summer holidays and the start of structured routines may reduce opportunities for petty crime. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson underscores the need for continued vigilance in areas frequented by students and young people. These figures, when contextualized, illustrate how East Cambridgeshire’s crime profile balances routine fluctuations with its broader demographic and geographic characteristics.