Cambourne Crime Rate

Cambourne's crime rate of 51.0 per 1,000 residents is 44% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in South Cambridgeshire. While the area has seen a 14.4% year-on-year decline in overall crime, a sharp 200% increase in possession of weapons highlights a concerning trend. This juxtaposition of low overall crime and specific spikes underscores the need for targeted local strategies.

Cambourne is a built-up area in South Cambridgeshire, characterised by a mix of residential and retail spaces. As a commuter hub near Cambridge, it benefits from strong local amenities and a relatively affluent population. These factors likely contribute to lower property crime rates, though the area's proximity to major roads may explain higher vehicle crime compared to more isolated communities.

The most surprising finding is the 200% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, despite remaining below the UK average. This may reflect heightened enforcement efforts or shifting crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences, though rising slightly (+7% YoY), remain 32% below the UK average, potentially due to effective community policing. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting both show significant declines, linked to local initiatives targeting public spaces. Property crime in Cambourne is 55.9% below the UK average, with burglary and vehicle crime both below national levels—likely supported by the area's lower population density and proactive security measures.

Crime in Cambourne has decreased by 14.4% year-on-year, with most categories showing significant declines. Shoplifting fell by 52.3%, anti-social behaviour dropped 22.6%, and vehicle crime decreased 25.8%. However, possession of weapons surged by 200% YoY, a sharp increase that remains 43% below the UK average. This spike may reflect heightened police focus on weapon-related offences. Monthly trends show a peak in June 2025 (5.5 per 1,000/month), likely linked to seasonal factors like increased outdoor activity, followed by a decline in August. The overall downward trend suggests effective local policing and community initiatives.

How To Keep Safe in Cambourne

Given Cambourne's low property crime rate (14.1 per 1,000), focus on securing vehicles in residential areas, where vehicle crime peaks overnight. For burglary prevention, consider perimeter monitoring systems that detect unusual activity at night. Since shoplifting has declined by 52.3% YoY, local retail areas remain relatively secure. However, the 200% increase in possession of weapons underscores the need for vigilance during evening hours, though this remains below the UK average. Always ensure personal belongings are secured in public spaces, especially during afternoons when theft rates are highest.

Crime in Cambourne peaks during afternoons and evenings, with burglary concentrated between 12pm-6pm (24% of cases) and 6pm-12am (20%). Theft spikes during daytime hours (37% in mornings, 39% afternoons), aligning with retail activity. Vehicle crime is most prevalent overnight (38% of night-time incidents), possibly due to parked vehicles in residential areas. Other crimes show higher frequency at night (48% of evening cases), suggesting opportunities for opportunistic acts in less populated hours.

Highfields Caldecote has a crime rate of 54.6 per 1,000, 7% higher than Cambourne's 51.0. This difference may stem from Highfields Caldecote's slightly higher population density and proximity to more commercial zones, which could contribute to elevated anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates.

In Cambourne, where property crime is 55.9% below the UK average, proactive security measures can further enhance safety. For instance, vehicle crime—which occurs at 1.9 per 1,000—can be mitigated by using AI-driven systems like scOS, which detects and deters intruders near parked vehicles. Burglary.8 per 1,000, benefits from perimeter monitoring that distinguishes between household members and potential intruders. These technologies align with Cambourne's overall safety profile, offering discreet, effective prevention without overcomplicating daily life.