Cambourne Crime Rate

Cambourne has seen a 10.7% year-on-year decline in overall crime, yet specific categories like violence and sexual offences have risen. With a crime rate of 52.6 per 1,000—42% below the UK average—its safety score of 87/100 highlights its relative security. The surge in possession of weapons (+200% YoY) and the surprising resilience of property crime rates suggest a complex interplay of local factors and national trends.

Cambourne is a built-up area in South Cambridgeshire, characterised by a mix of residential developments and retail centres. Its proximity to Cambridge and a commuter-oriented population likely influence crime patterns, with retail hubs contributing to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The area's moderate population density and strong community engagement may help explain its safety score, which exceeds the UK average.

The most surprising finding is the 200% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, though this remains 43% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, at 22.7 per 1,000, are rising (+16% YoY) but still 30% below the UK average, possibly linked to local social dynamics or seasonal factors. Shoplifting, while down 42% YoY, remains 35% below the UK average, likely due to retail-focused policing or community awareness. Property crime overall is 54.7% below the UK average, with burglary and vehicle crime both lower than national levels, suggesting effective urban planning or lower vulnerability in residential areas.

Crime in Cambourne has decreased by 10.7% year-on-year, with most categories declining—shoplifting down 42.2%, vehicle crime down 34.4%, and public order down 29.3%. However, possession of weapons has surged 200% YoY, and theft from the person has doubled. This contrast may reflect targeted enforcement efforts against weapon-related crimes or increased awareness. The trend follows a seasonal pattern, peaking in February (5.6 per 1,000) and troughing in August (3.0 per 1,000), possibly linked to holiday activity and university term patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Cambourne

Given the rise in violence and sexual offences, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark. For shoplifting concerns, use well-traveled routes near retail hubs during the day. Report suspicious behaviour promptly, as the 200% increase in weapon possession highlights the need for vigilance in community reporting.

Crime in Cambourne peaks during afternoon and evening hours, with theft and vehicle crime concentrated between 12pm-6pm and 6pm-12am respectively. Morning hours see minimal crime, likely due to fewer people in public spaces. Nighttime activity includes a spike in vehicle crime, possibly linked to unsecured parking areas. Weekends, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, show higher rates of theft and other crimes, reflecting increased social activity and potential vulnerabilities in nightlife areas.

Highfields Caldecote, a neighbouring area, has a 11% higher crime rate (58.4 per 1,000) than Cambourne. This difference may stem from Highfields Caldecote's proximity to more urban centres or differing demographic profiles, though both areas benefit from similar policing strategies.

For Cambourne's residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can help mitigate rising concerns around violence and weapon possession. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification could also address vehicle crime, which peaks at night. By distinguishing genuine threats from routine activity, scOS reduces false alarms, offering tailored security for an area with moderate crime rates but targeted vulnerabilities.