Cambourne Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cambourne's overall crime rate in August 2023 stood at 4.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a significant 50.6% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a sustained trend of lower-than-national crime levels, consistent with the area's character as a relatively low-density built-up area within South Cambridgeshire. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.7%) and other theft (12.5%). These patterns align with typical urban dynamics, where interpersonal conflicts and minor property crimes dominate. Seasonal factors in August, including peak holiday activity and increased tourism, may have influenced certain crime types. For instance, the higher proportion of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average (36% below) could be partially explained by the area's limited nightlife infrastructure, which may channel such incidents into fewer concentrated locations. Conversely, anti-social behaviour rates were 51% below the UK average, reflecting effective community policing or a smaller transient population. The relatively low rates of public order offences (33% below UK average) and criminal damage (52% below UK average) suggest that Cambourne's built-up environment may foster a more stable social fabric, though this remains a hypothesis requiring further analysis. These figures underscore the area's consistent performance in maintaining lower crime levels, particularly when compared to national benchmarks.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with vehicle crime surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and burglary doubling (from 0 to 1 incident). These increases, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal dynamics such as holiday-related vehicle theft or the temporary absence of residents during August. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 50% (from 8 to 4 incidents), potentially linked to reduced outdoor activity during the summer months. The most striking contrast to the UK average was in violence and sexual offences, which were 36% below the national rate (2.6 vs 1.7 per 1,000). This divergence could indicate effective local interventions or a lower incidence of severe interpersonal crime in Cambourne. Anti-social behaviour also showed a pronounced gap, with rates 51% below the UK average. For residents, the 50.6% reduction in overall crime compared to the UK average provides a tangible benchmark for safety, though the increase in vehicle crime highlights the need for continued vigilance in securing parked vehicles during peak holiday periods.

Comparing August 2023 to July, the crime rate dropped by 23.9% from 5.3 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, illustrating a clear downward trend. This reduction, when contextualised with the daily crime count of approximately 2 incidents per day, suggests a manageable level of activity for a community of 11,870 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 247 residents, a figure that, while providing a sense of scale, must be interpreted cautiously as it aggregates all crime types without distinguishing severity. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, reinforcing Cambourne's position as a comparatively safe area. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with the absolute number of crimes remaining relatively low (48 total), the rate per capita continues to outperform national standards. For local residents, this means that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is significantly diminished compared to other parts of the UK, though the specific increases in vehicle crime and burglary serve as reminders that targeted precautions remain necessary.