South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire presents a reassuring picture regarding crime rates, with an overall crime rate of 53.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning the area as considerably safer than many other parts of the country. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 88 out of 100, significantly surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, South Cambridgeshire has experienced a stable period, with a modest 3.2% change in crime year-on-year. This stability provides a solid foundation for understanding the detailed crime data and trends within this district.

About South Cambridgeshire: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

South Cambridgeshire is a largely rural district, characterised by numerous villages and small towns, interspersed with agricultural land and some science and business parks. This blend of rural and semi-urban environments contributes significantly to its lower crime rates compared to more densely populated urban areas. The population of 172,544 is spread across a relatively large geographical area, which generally correlates with lower instances of certain crimes, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, that tend to be more prevalent in concentrated urban settings.

Major employers are often linked to the Cambridge science and technology cluster, attracting a professional and stable population. While there are local amenities and some nightlife in larger villages, the district does not typically experience the high levels of transient populations or late-night entertainment that can sometimes contribute to higher crime figures. Transport hubs are primarily focused on connecting residents to Cambridge and other regional centres, rather than acting as major national transit points that might attract diverse criminal activity. The socio-economic profile of South Cambridgeshire, often associated with higher employment rates and a generally affluent population, also plays a role in its favourable crime statistics, as economic deprivation can be a contributing factor to crime in other areas. These combined characteristics foster a community environment where safety and security are generally high.

Crime Type Analysis in South Cambridgeshire

An examination of crime types in South Cambridgeshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 34.9% of all crimes with 3,235 incidents (18.8 per 1,000 residents). Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, making up 19.5% of recorded crimes with 1,803 incidents (10.4 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson rank as the third most frequent crime type, with 788 incidents, representing 8.5% of the total (4.6 per 1,000).

Focusing on property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, South Cambridgeshire records a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 537 crimes (3.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 568 incidents (3.3 per 1,000), and other theft for 627 incidents (3.6 per 1,000). These figures suggest that while property crime is present, it is less of a concern than in many other regions. For residents and homeowners, understanding these patterns can help inform personal security measures, particularly in safeguarding property against these specific types of offences.

Crime Trends in South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight increase of 3.2% year-on-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. The crime rate saw fluctuations, starting at 4.5 in October 2024, dipping to 3.7 in January 2025, before rising to a peak of 5.2 in June 2025. Subsequently, it showed some variability, ending at 4.9 in September 2025.

This pattern of minor monthly shifts, without significant spikes or prolonged drops, indicates a generally consistent environment. For residents, a stable trend suggests that the overall risk profile has not dramatically changed in the past year. While there are minor seasonal variations, the absence of a sharp upward trend is reassuring, implying that crime levels are being managed effectively within the area.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When examining South Cambridgeshire's crime statistics in a regional context, it is beneficial to compare it with neighbouring areas. Cambridge, a major urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates due to its population density and diverse activities. Uttlesford and East Hertfordshire, often more rural or suburban, may present crime profiles more akin to South Cambridgeshire, potentially showing lower overall rates and similar dominant crime types. North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, with varying urban characteristics, offer further points of comparison, likely having different crime breakdowns, especially concerning property and anti-social behaviour.

East Cambridgeshire, another local authority, provides a close comparison in terms of administrative structure and potentially demographic similarities. By considering these areas, residents gain a comprehensive understanding of South Cambridgeshire's relative safety within the broader region. This comparative analysis helps to contextualise the local crime figures and highlights the distinct safety landscape that South Cambridgeshire maintains.

Protecting Your Property in South Cambridgeshire

Given South Cambridgeshire's property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents, it is prudent for homeowners and residents to consider robust security measures. While this rate is lower than the national average, proactive protection is always more effective than reactive recording. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, primarily record incidents after they occur, providing footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. Similarly, many DIY systems only notify you after a threat has already materialised.

For those seeking genuine peace of mind and advanced protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a significant advantage. scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, not after an intruder has gained entry. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. scOS learns your routines, differentiating between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. This proactive approach, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise and deter potential burglars within their crucial 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less attractive target compared to those relying solely on reactive measures.