Balsham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Balsham, South Cambridgeshire, indicate a crime rate of 32.6 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents. While the overall trend has remained stable, with a 4.5% year-on-year change, certain crime types warrant closer attention. Understanding these trends and contributing factors is crucial for residents and local authorities to improve safety and security within the community. The data highlights the importance of preventative measures and community engagement to address these concerns.

Balsham, within South Cambridgeshire, exhibits a concerning pattern of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent at 18 incidents, representing 39.1% of recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows closely with 7 incidents (15.2%), and vehicle crime accounts for 6 incidents (13.0%). Other theft contributes 5 incidents (10.9%), while a miscellaneous category of ‘other’ crimes contributes 4 incidents (8.7%). Criminal damage and arson are present with 3 incidents (6.5%), and burglary, while relatively lower in number, still represents 2 incidents (4.3%). The overall property crime rate stands at 11.3 per 1,000 residents. The area's population density and the mix of residential and agricultural land may contribute to these crime patterns. The proximity to larger towns, while offering some benefits, could also attract opportunistic crime.

Crime rates in Balsham have demonstrated a stable trend, exhibiting a slight increase of 4.5% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with periods of relative calm interspersed with spikes in activity. For instance, February 2025 saw a notable surge in incidents, followed by a decrease in March. July 2025 experienced another peak, while December 2025 ended the year with a slightly lower rate. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of crime and the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Balsham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in public spaces. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes, especially during the evening. Vehicle crime is also a concern, so always lock your vehicle and remove valuables from view. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly, and participate in local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Crime in Balsham tends to follow a daily pattern. Burglary incidents are most likely to occur in the afternoon, while theft is more prevalent during commercial hours. Vehicle crime shows a significant spike overnight, particularly between 11 PM and 6 AM. Violence and sexual offences are more commonly reported during the evening hours, with a heightened risk on weekends. This pattern suggests that opportunistic crime is a factor, along with potential issues related to nighttime activity.

Balsham’s crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 residents places it within a varied context compared to neighbouring areas. West Wratting exhibits a slightly lower rate of 26.6 per 1,000, while West Wickham and Horseheath report zero incidents. However, Linton (South Cambridgeshire) has a significantly higher rate of 46.9 per 1,000, demonstrating a considerable disparity in safety levels across the region. These differences often reflect variations in population density, socioeconomic factors, and local policing strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a record of criminal activity, but they don’t prevent it. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive home security system like scOS, which utilises AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. scOS’s multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors all cameras, verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA, and learning the patterns of your family and deliveries. This level of intelligence means that when an unfamiliar presence is detected, scOS can proactively activate lights and speakers, creating an element of surprise that often deters potential intruders. Most burglars decide within that crucial 60-second window – scOS makes that decision easy for them: they move on.