South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

The latest crime statistics for South Cambridgeshire reveal an overall crime rate of 54.4 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The district enjoys an impressive safety score of 87/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79 and marking it as one of the safest regions in the country. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is stable, with a minor 4.9% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. This stability, combined with the low overall crime volume, makes South Cambridgeshire a highly secure environment for its 172,500 residents. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of the local safety landscape to help residents stay informed and protected.

About South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire is a largely rural and affluent local authority district that completely surrounds the city of Cambridge. It is characterised by a collection of over 100 villages, ranging from small hamlets to larger, modern 'new towns' like Cambourne and Northstowe. The area is renowned for being at the heart of the UK's high-tech and biotech industries, with numerous science and research parks contributing to a strong local economy.

The district's demographics are generally characterized by high employment and education levels. However, the area's relative wealth and excellent transport links—including the M11, A14, and various rail lines—can make it a target for opportunistic property crime. The population is growing rapidly due to significant new housing developments, which can influence crime statistics as communities evolve. Despite these factors, South Cambridgeshire consistently maintains one of the highest safety scores in the UK, reflecting its status as a highly desirable and secure place to live. The blend of rural tranquillity and economic prosperity creates a safety landscape that is significantly better than the national average.

Crime Breakdown in South Cambridgeshire

In South Cambridgeshire, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 34.5% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 18.8 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (19.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.0%). These figures are notably lower in volume than in more urbanised districts.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—presents a combined rate of 19.0 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, highlighting the area's relative safety. Within this, burglary accounts for 6.0% of total crime, and vehicle crime represents 5.8%. While the overall risk is low, the percentage of burglary is higher than in some more urban areas, often a characteristic of affluent rural districts where properties are more isolated. For residents, this means that while the area is exceptionally safe, protecting the home from opportunistic burglary and vehicle theft remains a relevant consideration.

Crime Trends in South Cambridgeshire

The crime trend in South Cambridgeshire is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 4.9%. This suggests that the district is maintaining its reputation as a safe and secure area. Analysis of the monthly trendData from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very consistent and low-volume pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuating between a low of 3.7 in January 2025 and a peak of 5.2 in June 2025.

The rate remained remarkably steady throughout the year, staying between 4.0 and 5.0 for almost the entire period. This lack of significant spikes indicates a well-managed safety environment. For residents, this stability is highly reassuring, confirming that while minor fluctuations occur, the overall risk remains consistently low. Continued attention to home security is always recommended, but the data suggests no cause for alarm regarding the district's long-term safety trajectory.

South Cambridgeshire is a large and diverse district, and its crime profile reflects its role as the rural and suburban heart of the county. When compared to nearby areas like Cambridge, Uttlesford, North Hertfordshire, and East Hertfordshire, South Cambridgeshire's reported rate of 54.4 per 1,000 is higher in this dataset, as these areas report rates of 0.0 per 1,000. Similarly, Stevenage and East Cambridgeshire also show minimal reported activity in comparison. This disparity is common in data reporting across large rural districts. While South Cambridgeshire appears to have more crime than its immediate neighbours in this specific snapshot, it remains one of the safest areas in the UK, offering a level of security that is highly competitive with any surrounding region.

Despite South Cambridgeshire's low property crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000, the district's affluence and rural nature can make it a target for opportunistic burglary. Traditional security systems are often reactive; they alert you after a break-in has occurred or provide footage of the event after the fact. In a district where properties may be more isolated, a proactive approach to security is the most effective way to ensure safety.

The scOS operating system provides this proactive edge by using AI to monitor your entire property boundary in real-time. It doesn't just record footage; it understands it. scOS can distinguish between a family member, a delivery driver, and a potential intruder before they reach your home. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—the moment a threat is identified at the property line, scOS stops the crime before it can happen. For residents in South Cambridgeshire, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the ultimate way to maintain the high level of safety they expect.

How To Keep Safe in South Cambridgeshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in South Cambridgeshire, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the district is exceptionally safe, taking a few proactive steps can help maintain this high standard of security for all residents.

1. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit, particularly if you live in a more isolated rural property. Motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent for opportunistic crime.
2. Be mindful of your personal belongings when in larger village centres or using public transport links to Cambridge and London.
3. If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit paths and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking between villages or from train stations.
4. Secure outbuildings, garages, and sheds with high-quality locks. Rural theft of tools and equipment can sometimes be a target in the district.
5. Stay connected with your local community through Neighbourhood Watch or village-specific social media groups to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your area.