Upwood Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Upwood, Huntingdonshire, reveal a concerning trend, with a recorded crime rate of 60.3 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. While this is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it represents a significant increase. The rate has been steadily climbing, showing an increase of 21.5% year-on-year. The most frequently reported crimes include violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour. Understanding the factors contributing to these figures, and the overall trend, is crucial for residents and local authorities alike. This report aims to provide a clear overview of the crime situation in Upwood and offer practical advice for enhancing personal safety.

The crime landscape in Upwood is shaped by its rural location and small population of 1591. While the overall crime rate is influenced by factors such as local employment opportunities and community cohesion, the specific types of crimes reported reflect a blend of rural and residential concerns. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime, accounting for 31.2% of recorded incidents. These are followed by criminal damage and arson (17.7%), and anti-social behaviour (16.7%). The prevalence of these offences highlights the importance of community engagement and targeted preventative measures. The close-knit nature of the village, while generally positive, can also mean that even minor incidents are more likely to be reported, impacting the overall statistics. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for developing effective crime reduction strategies.

The increasing crime trend in Upwood is a cause for concern. From January 2025 to December 2025, crime rates have risen by 21.5% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a particularly high rate of 11.3 per 1,000 in January 2025, followed by a significant drop in February (1.9 per 1,000). However, rates consistently remained above average throughout the spring and summer, peaking at 6.9 per 1,000 in July and 6.3 per 1,000 in August. A spike occurred again in November (9.4 per 1,000) before a slight decrease in December (3.1 per 1,000). This upward trajectory highlights the need for proactive strategies to address the root causes of crime and ensure the safety of residents.

How To Keep Safe in Upwood

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling with a companion whenever possible. Due to the frequency of criminal damage and arson, ensure that your property is well-secured and that any outbuildings are locked. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With vehicle crime being a concern, park your car in well-lit areas and consider using an alarm system. Finally, be vigilant and aware of your personal belongings in public places to minimise the risk of theft.

Crimes in Upwood demonstrate varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), accounting for 20% of incidents. Violence tends to be more prevalent during the evening hours (6pm-12am), particularly on weekends. Theft sees a higher incidence during commercial hours, primarily in the afternoon. Vehicle crime is notably higher overnight (12am-6am), suggesting a vulnerability during those hours. Understanding these time-based trends is vital for targeted preventative measures and increased vigilance during peak crime periods.

Comparing Upwood to its neighbours, the crime landscape varies considerably. Bury (Huntingdonshire) reports a slightly higher rate of 66.1 per 1,000, while Wistow and Abbots Ripton have remarkably low rates of 0.0. Ramsey, however, experiences a significantly higher rate of 116.5 per 1,000, highlighting the localised nature of crime patterns. These disparities underscore the importance of tailored crime prevention strategies, recognising that each community faces unique challenges and requires specific interventions.

Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive – they record incidents after they've occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively preventing crime is another. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system. Unlike standard cameras that simply record, scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary. It watches all cameras simultaneously, verifying vehicle registration plates with the DVLA, and learning the patterns of your family and deliveries. The visible presence of scOS, with its multi-camera intelligence and autonomous response – lights activating, speakers engaging – acts as a powerful deterrent. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds; the element of surprise that scOS creates makes them move on. It’s about preventing the crime, not just having footage of it.