Huntingdon Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile in Huntingdon for July 2024, accounting for 30.4% of all reported crimes. This category alone is 12% above the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000, highlighting a stark contrast to national trends. The area’s crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 is 26.2% higher than the UK average of 8.4, underscoring a significant local challenge. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson follow closely, contributing 19.1% and 10.6% respectively to the total crime count. These figures are elevated compared to UK averages, with anti-social behaviour 38% above and criminal damage and arson 75% above. The seasonal context of July—a peak summer month with schools out, tourism at its height, and festivals in full swing—likely plays a role in these patterns. Outdoor events and increased foot traffic in public spaces may contribute to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, while the absence of students during summer holidays could reduce typical campus-related crime but amplify issues in high-traffic areas. The data also reveals a surprising dip in shoplifting, which fell by 38.5% compared to June, reflecting heightened security measures during the summer season or changes in retail activity. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft, which surged 200% from 4 to 12 incidents, suggests vulnerabilities in local infrastructure or increased theft opportunities during festivals and events. The interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics—such as Huntingdon’s mix of residential and commercial areas—shapes these trends, requiring targeted strategies to address the most pressing concerns.

July 2024 saw a 200% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 4 to 12 incidents—a stark contrast to the 38.5% decline in shoplifting, which dropped from 26 to 16. This shift may reflect changes in retail security or the timing of festivals, which could draw attention away from commercial areas. Violence and sexual offences, the dominant category, remain 12% above the UK average, with 86 incidents reported. This is particularly concerning given the area’s relatively low population density, which may amplify the impact of such crimes. The 87.5% month-on-month increase in criminal damage and arson, from 16 to 30, suggests a possible link to local events or disputes during the summer. Conversely, anti-social behaviour, while still 38% above the UK average, saw a smaller increase compared to other categories. Residents may find the 127% rise in drug-related crimes—jumping from 5 to 12—particularly alarming, as this category is now 127% above the UK average. The 100% increase in robbery, from 0 to 4 incidents, highlights an emerging concern that deserves closer attention. These fluctuations underscore the need for community engagement and resource allocation to address specific vulnerabilities, such as securing public spaces during festivals or enhancing anti-drug initiatives.

Huntingdon’s crime rate in July 2024 rose 15.1% compared to June, climbing from 9.2 to 10.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while significant, must be contextualised within the area’s population of 26,726. On a daily basis, Huntingdon experienced roughly 9 crimes per day in July, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate—though seemingly low—reflects the cumulative impact of persistent crime categories like anti-social behaviour and violence. Compared to the UK average, Huntingdon’s elevated crime rate is most pronounced in violent and sexual offences, which are 12% above the national average, and criminal damage and arson, which are 75% above. However, the area performs better in categories like shoplifting (12% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (13% below), suggesting that local factors such as retail security measures or traffic patterns may mitigate certain risks. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Huntingdon’s crime rate is higher than the UK average, the absolute number of crimes—283 in July—is manageable for a mid-sized town. This balance between local challenges and relative success in specific areas highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the most pressing concerns without overextending resources.