South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate

South Cambridgeshire's crime profile is shaped by an unexpected spike in drugs-related offences, which have surged by 126% year-on-year — the fastest-rising category in the area. Despite this, the local crime rate of 56.1 per 1,000 remains 38.4% below the UK average, with a safety score of 87/100 placing it firmly in the 'very safe' tier. This paradox of rising drug crime against overall low rates highlights the combination of local demographics and broader regional trends.

South Cambridgeshire is a mix of historic market towns, suburban commuter belts, and rural villages, with a population of 172,544. Its crime profile reflects this diversity: urban areas like Milton (124.9 per 1,000) show higher rates due to transient populations and proximity to Cambridge's university sector, while rural areas like Girton (20.7 per 1,000) benefit from lower population density. The 5% above-average burglary rate likely stems from commuter parking hubs near major roads, while the sharp rise in drugs-related crime may be linked to increased online availability and cross-border trafficking from nearby urban centres.

The most striking finding is the 126% YoY increase in drugs-related offences, which remain 45% below the UK average but represent the fastest-growing category. This surge may reflect heightened awareness or enforcement, rather than an actual increase in supply. Violence and sexual offences (19.2 per 1,000) are 34.2% below the UK average, likely due to strong community policing and lower population density. Anti-social behaviour (10.8 per 1,000), up 9% YoY, may be tied to university-related activity in areas like Cambridge, though it remains 27% below the UK average. Burglary (3.5 per 1,000), 5% above the UK average, is likely driven by commuter parking areas and historic buildings with older security systems.

Crime in South Cambridgeshire has increased by 7.2% year-on-year, with a distinct seasonal pattern: rates peaked in June 2025 (5.2 per 1,000/month) and dipped in April 2025 (4.0 per 1,000/month). The drugs-related spike (+126% YoY) is particularly notable, possibly linked to warmer weather increasing outdoor gatherings and the timing of university term breaks. Other categories show smaller increases, with anti-social behaviour (+9% YoY) and violence (+7% YoY) likely influenced by increased social activity during the summer months. The stability in vehicle crime (5.0% YoY) may reflect effective traffic management in key corridors.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate (56.1 per 1,000) is significantly lower than nearby areas: Cambridge (108.3 per 1,000) has 93% higher crime, likely due to its larger university population and higher transient population. Even neighbouring areas like East Cambridgeshire (57.4 per 1,000) show only a 2% higher rate, suggesting shared rural infrastructure and policing strategies. The stark contrast with Milton (South Cambridgeshire) (124.9 per 1,000) highlights how local factors like proximity to transport hubs can drive disparities within the same local authority.

For households in South Cambridgeshire, where burglary rates are 5% above the UK average, proactive security is essential. AI-powered systems like scOS can detect suspicious activity at property perimeters, distinguishing between regular delivery vehicles and potential intruders — a feature particularly valuable in areas like Milton where crime rates are 123% higher than the local average. The system's ability to autonomously activate lights and speakers can deter intruders before they reach entry points. Given the 3.5 per 1,000 burglary rate, integrating perimeter detection with existing CCTV networks offers a cost-effective solution for properties near major roads or in areas with higher transient populations.

How To Keep Safe in South Cambridgeshire

Residents should focus on burglary prevention given the 5% above-average rate. Secure valuables in lockable storage units, especially in properties near major roads. For households with high-value items, consider AI-powered systems that distinguish between regular delivery vehicles and potential intruders. In areas like Milton, where crime rates are 123% higher than the South Cambridgeshire average, additional measures like motion-activated lighting near entry points may help deter opportunistic theft. Community engagement remains critical — participation in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes has historically correlated with lower anti-social behaviour rates in towns like Swavesey.