Cambourne Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Cambourne

Cambourne, a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, records an overall crime rate of 57.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Cambourne as a relatively safe community, especially when compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a commendable safety score of 86 out of 100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78, indicating a generally secure environment for its 11,870 residents. However, recent trends show an increasing trajectory, with a 10.5% rise in crime year-on-year. This upward shift warrants closer examination of the specific crime types and patterns to provide a comprehensive understanding of safety in Cambourne.

Crime Type Analysis in Cambourne

In Cambourne, the dominant crime types are Violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.5% of all reported crimes with 270 incidents (22.8 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, representing 17.6% of crimes with 120 incidents (10.1 per 1,000). Shoplifting rounds out the top three, contributing 15.2% of the total with 104 incidents (8.8 per 1,000).

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Cambourne experiences a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific property crime figures include 40 incidents of criminal damage and arson (3.4 per 1,000), 29 vehicle crimes (2.4 per 1,000), and 27 other thefts (2.3 per 1,000). Burglary, with 10 incidents (0.8 per 1,000), is less prevalent. For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of securing personal property, particularly for businesses susceptible to shoplifting, and being aware of vehicle security.

Crime Trends in Cambourne

Cambourne has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable rise of 10.5% year-on-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout this period. The rate started at 5.3 in October 2024, saw a peak of 6.5 in November before dropping to 4.2 in December. After a further dip to 4.0 in January 2025, it generally trended upwards again, reaching 5.6 in February and 5.5 in June. A noticeable dip to 3.0 occurred in August, followed by a rise to 5.1 in September 2025.

This fluctuating but overall increasing trend suggests that while there isn't a consistent month-on-month rise, the cumulative effect over the year has been an increase in crime. Residents should be aware of this upward trajectory and consider how it might impact their personal and property security. Understanding these patterns can help inform decisions about vigilance and protective measures within the community.

Crime Time Patterns in Cambourne

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Cambourne reveals distinct shifts in activity. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 38% of crimes, followed by 'Other' crimes at 34%. Vehicle crime also represents a significant 22% during this period, suggesting vulnerabilities as residents commute or start their day. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the highest category at 43%, with 'Other' crimes increasing to 40%, potentially linked to increased commercial activity. Burglary sees a slight increase to 9% during the afternoon.

The evening period (6pm-12am) experiences a notable shift, with 'Other' crimes becoming dominant at 56%, indicating a broader range of incidents beyond specific property crimes. Vehicle crime remains a concern at 20%, while theft drops to 16%. Night-time (12am-6am) sees vehicle crime surge to 48%, making it the most significant threat, likely when vehicles are left unattended. 'Other' crimes account for 36% during this period, and burglary maintains a presence at 9%. These patterns highlight specific times when residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their property and vehicles.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context for Cambourne's crime statistics, it's helpful to compare it with neighbouring built-up areas. Caxton, Bourn, Highfields Caldecote, and Elsworth are all in proximity and offer valuable comparisons. Cambourne's overall crime rate of 57.5 per 1,000, and a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000, can be benchmarked against these communities. Generally, smaller, more rural settlements like Caxton or Elsworth might exhibit lower crime figures, particularly for certain types of property crime or anti-social behaviour. Larger or more developed areas like Highfields Caldecote, while still smaller than Cambourne, might have different crime profiles depending on their amenities and population density. This comparison helps residents understand Cambourne's position within the local safety landscape, highlighting its relative security despite the recent increasing trend.

Protecting Your Property in Cambourne

With Cambourne's property crime rate at 19.2 per 1,000 residents and an increasing overall crime trend, residents should prioritise robust home security. While traditional CCTV cameras can record incidents, they often provide footage of your burglary rather than preventing it. Similarly, many DIY systems offer after-the-fact notifications, leaving you to react once a crime is already in progress.

For those seeking a proactive approach, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers advanced protection. scOS prevents crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, acting as a visible deterrent that makes most burglars move on within their crucial 60-second decision window. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a detail, while features like DVLA vehicle verification identify suspicious vehicles instantly. scOS learns your household routines, ensuring that only genuine threats trigger an alert and an autonomous response, such as activating lights and engaging speakers. This professional-grade security shifts the focus from merely recording crime to actively intervening and preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for Cambourne residents.