South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

South Cambridgeshire exhibits a relatively low crime rate of 55.4 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, placing it significantly below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While the district benefits from a safety score of 87 out of 100, recent data from February 2025 to January 2026 reveals an overall increase of 6.0% in crime year-on-year. This trend warrants attention, despite the generally safer environment compared to the national average. Understanding the specific crime types and their fluctuations is crucial for residents and stakeholders alike.

South Cambridgeshire is a predominantly rural local authority district, characterised by a mix of agricultural land, villages, and smaller towns. The area benefits from good transport links and a relatively affluent population. The presence of several technology parks and business centres contributes to a diverse economy, attracting a workforce from across the region. While generally considered safe, the mix of residential areas, commercial activity, and transport routes inevitably contributes to varying levels of crime across the district. Factors such as population density, the presence of vulnerable individuals, and the proximity to larger urban centres can all influence crime rates within different neighbourhoods.

The crime landscape in South Cambridgeshire is shaped by a range of offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 34.2% of all reported crimes (3272 incidents), which is 41% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime type, with 1828 incidents reported (19.1% of total crimes), 28% below the UK average. Criminal damage and arson represent the third most common crime, totaling 845 incidents (8.8% of total crimes), 26% below the UK average. Overall property crime in South Cambridgeshire stands at 19.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. While burglary rates are relatively stable, other theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting also contribute to the overall property crime picture. The lower rates compared to the national average suggest a degree of community safety, but vigilance remains important.

Crime in South Cambridgeshire is currently trending upwards, with a 6.0% increase year-on-year. While monthly crime rates fluctuate, peaking at 5.2 per 1,000 in June 2025 and reaching a low of 4.0 per 1,000 in April 2025, the overall trend indicates a concerning rise. Certain crime categories, such as violence and sexual offences, are contributing to this increase, highlighting the need for targeted preventative measures and community awareness. The significant rise in drug-related crime (+126.9% YoY) also demands urgent attention.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, South Cambridgeshire generally demonstrates a lower crime rate. Stevenage, for example, reports a significantly higher crime rate of 111.7 per 1,000 residents, while East Cambridgeshire fares slightly better at 57.7 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight South Cambridgeshire’s relative safety, although localised variations exist within the district and its surrounding areas.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a reactive measure, recording incidents after they occur. However, in an area experiencing a 6.0% increase in overall crime, proactive prevention is key. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a fundamentally different approach. It utilizes multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to detect threats at your property boundary before they escalate, preventing crime rather than simply documenting it. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions, much like a professional security system signals a serious commitment to protection. The 60-second decision point for many burglars can be easily influenced by this visible deterrent.

How To Keep Safe in South Cambridgeshire

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, and the rising crime trend, here are some practical safety tips for residents:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment, especially when walking alone at night or in less populated areas.
2. Secure your property: Ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system or security cameras.
3. Report suspicious activity: If you see something that doesn't feel right, report it to the police immediately.
4. Join or form a Neighbourhood Watch: Community vigilance can be a powerful deterrent to crime.
5. Consider advanced security systems: Explore proactive security solutions like scOS, which uses AI to prevent crime before it happens, offering a significant advantage over traditional reactive systems.