Huntingdonshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Huntingdonshire

Huntingdonshire, with a population of 190,619, reports an overall crime rate of 69.9 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area's safety score of 84 out of 100 further reinforces this, ranking well above the UK average safety score of 78. However, the latest data indicates an increasing trend, with a 9.2% rise in total crimes year-on-year. This introduction provides context for a deeper dive into Huntingdonshire's crime statistics, covering specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with neighbouring areas.

About Huntingdonshire

Huntingdonshire is a predominantly rural local authority district in Cambridgeshire, characterised by a mix of market towns, villages, and agricultural land. Its unique geography, with the River Great Ouse flowing through it, contributes to its tranquil appeal. Major transport links like the A1 and A14 pass through the district, making it a commuter-friendly area with connections to larger urban centres. The presence of these transport arteries, while beneficial for connectivity, can sometimes influence crime statistics, particularly those related to vehicle crime or opportunistic theft. The population, while dispersed, includes several growing communities. Economic activity is diverse, encompassing agriculture, light industry, and a burgeoning service sector. These factors collectively shape the local crime landscape, contributing to the overall safety profile and specific crime patterns observed across Huntingdonshire.

Crime Type Analysis in Huntingdonshire

An analysis of crime types in Huntingdonshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 4,785 crimes, or 25.1 per 1,000 residents, representing 35.9% of all reported incidents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 2,713 recorded crimes (14.2 per 1,000, 20.4% of total). Criminal damage and arson constitute the third highest category, with 1,156 incidents (6.1 per 1,000, 8.7% of total). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for local authorities and residents.

Property-related crime, a significant concern for homeowners, encompasses a range of offences including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. In Huntingdonshire, the property crime rate stands at 21.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific property crimes include 477 burglaries (2.5 per 1,000), 606 vehicle crimes (3.2 per 1,000), and 904 shoplifting incidents (4.7 per 1,000). Other theft (717 crimes), criminal damage and arson (1,156 crimes), bicycle theft (182 crimes), theft from the person (65 crimes), and robbery (50 crimes) also contribute to this category. While the overall property crime rate is below the national average, residents and homeowners should remain vigilant, especially concerning the more frequent categories of criminal damage and arson, and shoplifting.

Crime Trends in Huntingdonshire

The latest crime data for Huntingdonshire indicates an increasing trend in overall crime, with a year-over-year (YoY) change of 9.2%. This upward trajectory suggests a rise in total reported incidents compared to the previous 12-month period. Reviewing the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents provides a clearer picture of this pattern. In late 2024, rates were around 5.4 in October and 5.1 in November, dipping to 4.6 in December. However, a noticeable increase began in early 2025, rising from 5.3 in January to a peak of 7.0 in June. While there was a slight dip in August (6.1) and September (5.8), the overall pattern reflects a fluctuating but generally increasing number of incidents throughout the period. This trend suggests that while Huntingdonshire remains safer than the UK average, residents should be aware of the recent upward shift in crime activity.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Huntingdonshire's crime rate of 69.9 per 1,000 residents can be compared with several nearby areas. Bedford, for instance, has a different crime profile, as do Fenland and Peterborough, which are often larger urban centres with distinct challenges. North Northamptonshire and Cambridge, both significant regional hubs, present their own crime statistics, which can vary due to population density, economic activity, and urban characteristics. East Cambridgeshire, generally more rural, might offer a closer comparison in terms of demographic and geographic factors. By examining these diverse neighbouring areas, residents can gain a more comprehensive understanding of Huntingdonshire's position within the broader regional crime landscape, helping to contextualise its safety score and overall crime rate.

Protecting Your Property in Huntingdonshire

Given Huntingdonshire's property crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is below the UK average, proactive home security measures are a prudent consideration for residents. While traditional security systems like Ring or Nest cameras record incidents after they occur, the focus should be on preventing crime before it happens. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds of approaching a property; visible and intelligent deterrence can be the key factor in making them move on.

Consider adopting an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, which offers proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, not after a break-in. Unlike reactive DIY systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Its advanced features, such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, allow it to recognise routines and only alert on real threats, avoiding nuisance alarms. With autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS effectively destroys the element of surprise, making your property a less appealing target. Investing in such professional-grade security signals serious protection, offering peace of mind by actively deterring potential criminals rather than merely documenting a crime.