Soham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Soham's crime profile in April 2024 reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors. With a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents—39% below the UK average—the area remains safer than national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category (accounting for 43.4% of total crimes), saw a 41% month-on-month decline, likely influenced by the Easter holiday period reducing opportunities for such incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 22.6% of all crimes, while shoplifting and other thefts accounted for 15.2% combined. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and increased outdoor activity—may have contributed to the fluctuation in crime types, with retail-focused offences like shoplifting spiking dramatically. Despite the 300% increase in shoplifting, the category remains 40% below the UK average, suggesting localised factors such as targeted policing or retail security measures may be at play. The overall crime mix highlights a balance between property and violent crime, with property offences (23.6%) slightly lower than violent ones (43.4%), a trend consistent with Soham's built-up area status. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting underscores the need for continued vigilance in retail zones during peak shopping periods.

April 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from one incident to four. This surge, though still 40% below the UK average, contrasts sharply with the 41% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 39 to 23 cases. The reduction in violent crime may reflect seasonal patterns, with Easter holidays potentially reducing opportunities for such incidents. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 33.3%, though it remains 10% below the UK average. Vehicle crime and possession of weapons both doubled, with the latter reaching 0.1 per 1,000—a figure 43% above the UK average. These increases, while modest in absolute terms, underscore the need for targeted local measures. For residents, the 300% jump in shoplifting highlights a specific area of concern, particularly in retail zones during the spring shopping season.

Soham's crime rate in April 2024 dropped by 20.9% compared to the previous month, falling from 6.0 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline places the area 39% below the UK average of 7.7, a consistent trend reflecting broader regional patterns. Locally, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 212 residents over 30 days, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the community. Daily crime statistics show an average of two crimes per day in April, a manageable frequency for a small built-up area. When compared to the previous month's rate, the reduction suggests seasonal factors—such as the Easter period—may have contributed to lower activity in certain crime categories. However, the persistent gap between Soham's rates and the UK average highlights the area's generally safer profile, likely influenced by its rural-urban mix and lower population density.