March Crime Rate

March's crime rate of 103.1 per 1,000 residents is 13% above the UK average, making it one of the less safe areas in the region. Notably, its property crime rate is 10.4% below the UK average, but violent crime—particularly violence and sexual offences—surpasses national levels by 32%. This contrast suggests a complex interplay between local demographics, economic factors, and policing effectiveness.

March is a built-up area in Fenland, characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and commuter pathways. Its proximity to Cambridge and role as a hub for local services may contribute to higher anti-social behavior and violence rates. The area's relatively low property crime compared to the UK average suggests effective community policing or fewer high-value targets, though socioeconomic factors like income disparity may still influence violent crime trends.

March's most surprising finding is that 'Other crime' (2.6 per 1,000) is 206% above the UK average, despite overall property crime being 10.4% lower. Violence and sexual offences (42.5 per 1,000) are 32% above the UK average, likely linked to the area's mix of commuter traffic and local nightlife, which may increase opportunities for conflict. Anti-social behaviour (16.3 per 1,000) being 10% above average could reflect dense residential areas or under-resourced community support. Criminal damage and arson (8.3 per 1,000) are 27% above average, possibly due to public spaces or youth activity. Vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000) is 31% below the UK average, which may be attributed to effective parking management or fewer commercial vehicles in the area.

March's crime rate increased by 5.6% year-on-year, with the most dramatic rise in drugs (50.0% YoY), despite remaining 19% below the UK average. This surge may be linked to warmer weather or increased social activity. Violence and sexual offences rose by 6.7%, likely tied to seasonal factors or changes in community dynamics. Vehicle crime fell by 25.8%, possibly due to improved parking security or fewer vehicles in the area. Other crime increased by 22.4%, suggesting emerging issues that require targeted policing.

How To Keep Safe in March

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially after 10pm when anti-social behaviour and other crimes peak. Use well-lit, busy routes for commuting and consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch. Report suspicious activity promptly, as March's police response times are 27% above the UK target. Secure homes with motion sensors and ensure doors and windows are locked, given the area's 27% higher criminal damage and arson rate compared to the UK average.

Crime in March peaks during afternoon hours (12pm-6pm), with theft accounting for 50% of incidents, likely tied to shopping activity and commuter traffic. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am-6am), aligning with reduced visibility and fewer patrols in residential areas. Other crimes dominate during evening hours (6pm-12am), potentially linked to late-night social gatherings or unmonitored public spaces. Morning hours (6am-12pm) see lower rates, though burglary (9%) remains a concern in quiet neighborhoods.

March's crime rate (103.1 per 1,000) is 60% higher than Doddington and Wimblington (64.6 per 1,000) and 62% higher than Guyhirn (63.8 per 1,000). Friday Bridge (69.7 per 1,000) has the highest crime rate among nearby areas but still remains 48% lower than March. This disparity likely reflects differences in population density, economic activity, and local policing resources.

For residents in March, scOS's proactive boundary detection and behavioural pattern learning features can help prevent burglaries and anti-social behaviour, which are elevated in the area. Its simultaneous multi-camera monitoring ensures full coverage of high-risk zones, while DVLA vehicle registration verification may deter vehicle crime, though March's vehicle crime rate is already 31% below the UK average. These features are particularly relevant given the area's 32% higher violence and sexual offence rate compared to the UK.