Godmanchester Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Godmanchester's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure that remains 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area's generally low crime profile, consistent with its status as a small, built-up town within Huntingdonshire. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 35.4% of all incidents, though this rate was lower than the UK average. The seasonal context of September—marking the return of students to local educational institutions and the transition from summer to autumn—likely influenced patterns, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences decreasing by 40% and 23% respectively compared to August. However, the rise in bicycle theft by 100% suggests a direct link to student activity, a trend often seen in areas with university or college presence. The town's compact nature, while fostering community cohesion, may also contribute to higher burglary rates relative to the UK average, as property density can increase exposure to such crimes. These dynamics underscore the importance of contextual factors in shaping local crime statistics, rather than relying solely on national benchmarks. The overall crime rate, while modest, reflects the ongoing balance between community safety measures and the unique challenges posed by seasonal transitions in a small urban environment.

September 2024 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, with three incidents reported—tripling the previous month's total. This spike aligns with the return of university students to local campuses, a seasonal pattern often observed in small towns with educational institutions. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 50%, from four to two incidents, potentially reflecting quieter retail activity as the summer tourist season waned. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.4% of all crimes, though this rate was 31% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also dipped below the UK average by 23%, with 0.9 per 1,000 compared to the national 1.2. Burglary in Godmanchester (0.4 per 1,000) was 29% above the UK rate of 0.3 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may be attributed to the area's compact built-up nature, where property density could increase vulnerability. These shifts illustrate the combination of local demographics and national crime trends.

Godmanchester's crime rate in September 2024 rose by 17.1% compared to August, moving from 4.4 to 5.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, still places the area 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day over the month, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 192 residents on average. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in a community of around 9,228 people. While the overall rate remains below the UK norm, the rise in specific categories such as bicycle theft and drugs deserves closer attention. The increase in bicycle theft—jumping from zero to three incidents—could reflect heightened activity among students returning to local educational institutions, a pattern consistent with September's back-to-school season. This contrast between local trends and national averages highlights the unique dynamics of Godmanchester's small-town character, where community cohesion may naturally temper broader crime patterns.