Swaffham Prior Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Swaffham Prior, East Cambridgeshire, reveal a crime rate of 53.9 per 1,000 residents for the period January 2025 to December 2025. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment compared to many areas of the country. However, crime rates have been increasing, rising by 11.0% year-on-year. While the overall safety score for Swaffham Prior is 86 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe area, the recent upward trend warrants attention. Understanding the specific types of crime and their distribution is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

The crime landscape in Swaffham Prior is shaped by its rural setting and close-knit community. While the overall crime rate is slightly lower than the national average, certain crime types require attention. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of recorded crimes, accounting for 52 incidents, or 46.9% of all reported cases. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (28 incidents, 25.2%), and criminal damage and arson (8 incidents, 7.2%). The prevalence of these crimes may be influenced by factors such as occasional disputes within the community or opportunistic incidents due to the area’s relative isolation. It’s important to note that the relatively small population size of Swaffham Prior (2058 residents) means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per 1,000 residents.

The 11.0% year-on-year increase in crime rates for Swaffham Prior is a cause for concern. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuating crime levels, with a significant peak in June 2025 (7.3 per 1,000/month). While crime rates have fluctuated throughout the year, with lower points in February and October (1.9 and 2.4 per 1,000/month respectively), the overall trend indicates a worrying upward trajectory. This increase suggests a need for proactive community engagement and potentially increased police presence to address the underlying causes and mitigate future risks.

How To Keep Safe in Swaffham Prior

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Swaffham Prior, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Due to the rise in anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities promptly. Criminal damage and arson are also concerns, so ensure your property is well-secured and any vulnerable areas are protected. Finally, be mindful of vehicle crime; always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.

Criminal activity in Swaffham Prior demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most commonly reported during the afternoon (16%), while vehicle crime is significantly higher during the night (60%). Theft tends to be concentrated during commercial hours, both in the afternoon and evening. The evening period also sees a noticeable spike in other crime types, suggesting a heightened risk during those hours. Overall, awareness and vigilance are crucial across all periods, but particularly during the evening and night.

Swaffham Prior’s crime rate is influenced by its rural location and proximity to other villages. Swaffham Bulbeck and Lode have notably lower crime rates (0.0 per 1,000), suggesting a very low crime environment. Burwell, however, has a higher crime rate (41.5 per 1,000), closer to the UK average. Bottisham’s crime rate (53.1 per 1,000) is very similar to Swaffham Prior’s, indicating a comparable level of crime risk in these neighbouring areas.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they occur, providing footage for investigations. However, in Swaffham Prior, where crime is on the rise, a proactive approach is essential. Consider an AI-powered home security system like scOS. Unlike standard cameras that simply record, scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary – before a break-in happens. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA, and learns your family’s routines to identify genuine risks. The visible presence of scOS, with its intelligent lights and speaker system, acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on before they even attempt anything. This element of surprise and the perception of advanced security can make a significant difference. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.