Little Downham Crime Rate

Little Downham is a highly secure urban settlement in East Cambridgeshire, characterised by a very low crime rate and a peaceful residential atmosphere. The area currently holds an impressive safety score of 91/100, significantly higher than the UK average of 78/100. With an overall crime rate of 31.6 per 1,000 residents, Little Downham is considerably safer than the national average of 93.1. Furthermore, the community has seen a positive trend in safety, with recorded crime decreasing by 11.5% year-over-year. This data reflects a stable and secure environment, making it one of the more desirable locations in the region for those prioritising safety. The following details provide a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, trends, and local comparisons.

Crime in Little Downham

Crime in Little Downham is predominantly characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 52.2% of all recorded incidents with 24 offences. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.7% (10 crimes) and burglary at 6.5% (3 crimes). While these figures might seem high in percentage terms, the actual volume of crime remains very low due to the area's small population.

The overall property crime rate in Little Downham is 6.9 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Specifically, burglary, vehicle crime, and other thefts each occur at very low frequencies, with only a handful of cases reported annually.

For residents and homeowners, this data suggests a very low-risk environment. However, the presence of burglary and vehicle crime in the top crime categories indicates that basic security remains important. While the community is exceptionally safe, maintaining vigilance regarding home and vehicle security helps ensure that the area remains a low-target environment for opportunistic offenders who may travel from more urbanised neighbouring areas.

Crime Trends in Little Downham

The crime trend in Little Downham is currently on a downward trajectory, with a notable 11.5% decrease in total recorded offences compared to the previous year. This reduction is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that local policing and community safety initiatives are having a tangible impact.

An analysis of the monthly trend data from late 2024 through 2025 shows some fluctuation. The crime rate per 1,000 residents remained very low for most of the year, typically hovering between 1.4 and 2.8. However, there was a visible peak in January 2025, where the rate rose to 4.8 per 1,000. This was followed by a sharp drop back to 1.4 in February. Another minor increase was noted in October 2025, reaching 4.1. These small spikes are common in smaller populations where even a few additional incidents can significantly alter the monthly rate. Overall, the long-term trend remains stable and decreasing, reinforcing Little Downham's reputation as a safe and secure place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Little Downham

The most prevalent crime type in Little Downham is violence and sexual offences, which often includes domestic incidents or verbal altercations. To maintain your personal safety in the community, consider the following advice:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially during the darker evening hours, and stick to well-lit main roads where possible.
2. Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can provide a loud deterrent and attract attention from neighbours in the event of an emergency.
3. Ensure your home is a secure environment by installing robust door locks and a peephole or smart doorbell to verify visitors before opening the door.
4. Engage with local community watch groups or social media pages to stay informed about any unusual activity or specific safety concerns in the village.
5. If you ever feel threatened or witness suspicious behaviour, do not hesitate to report it to the local Cambridgeshire Constabulary to help maintain the area's high safety standards.

Crime Timing in Little Downham

Analysis of crime timing in Little Downham reveals distinct patterns based on the time of day. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are relatively quiet but see a significant proportion of theft-related offences (36%). As the day progresses into the afternoon, burglary becomes more prominent, accounting for 28% of crimes in this period. This suggests that opportunistic thieves may be targeting homes while residents are away at work or running errands.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, which often include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, rise to 48% of the total. This aligns with typical UK patterns where social activity can lead to increased friction. Most notably, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a sharp spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 42% of all incidents during these early hours. This highlights the vulnerability of vehicles parked on streets or driveways when the village is at its quietest. Homeowners are advised to be particularly vigilant about property security during the afternoon and vehicle security overnight.

When comparing Little Downham to its immediate neighbours, it occupies a middle ground in terms of statistical safety. It is remarkably safer than the nearby city of Ely, which has a crime rate of 61.0 per 1,000, and the town of Littleport, which recorded 63.0 crimes per 1,000 people. Conversely, the smaller settlements of Pymoor and Coveney reported zero crimes during the same period, though their significantly smaller populations make direct comparisons difficult. For those looking for a balance between village amenities and high security, Little Downham offers a far safer alternative to the larger urban hubs in East Cambridgeshire while maintaining a very high safety score of 91/100.

Protecting Your Property in Little Downham

With a property crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, Little Downham is statistically very safe, yet the presence of burglary and vehicle crime in the local statistics shouldn't be ignored. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are often reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already occurred. In a quiet area like Little Downham, the goal should be to maintain the neighbourhood's integrity by preventing crime before it happens.

Modern AI-powered security systems like scOS offer a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a potential intruder the moment they step onto your driveway. Instead of just recording the event, the system can autonomously activate lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach is particularly suited to Little Downham's residential landscape, where a visible and intelligent deterrent often encourages opportunistic offenders to move on to easier targets elsewhere. Investing in prevention ensures your home remains a sanctuary.