Cambourne Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked an unexpected surge in burglary rates in Cambourne, rising by 200% from 2 to 6 incidents—a stark contrast to the area’s generally low crime profile. The overall crime rate for the month stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing Cambourne 54.2% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 33.3% of total crimes, though this rate (1.1 per 1,000) was 58% below the UK average. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the potential for empty homes during holiday absences—may partly explain the sharp rise in burglary. Typically, Cambourne’s crime picture aligns with its status as a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, where property crime rates are often lower than in larger urban centres. However, the spike in burglary this month diverges from this pattern, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity linked to seasonal factors such as increased home vacancies or targeted opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, saw a 55.6% decrease compared to November, possibly reflecting reduced public activity during the festive period or heightened community vigilance. The overall balance of crime types in Cambourne remains skewed toward property-related offences, with violent crime comprising only 33.3% of the total, a figure significantly lower than the UK average. This contrast highlights the area’s unique character, where the presence of residential communities and limited commercial activity may contribute to a crime profile that is both distinct and relatively safe compared to national trends.

December 2023 revealed significant fluctuations in Cambourne’s crime profile, with burglary emerging as the most notable outlier. The category saw a 200% increase, rising from 2 to 6 incidents—a jump that far outpaced other categories and defied the area’s usual low property crime trend. This surge may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the closure of some homes during the holiday period, creating opportunities for opportunistic thieves. In contrast, anti-social behaviour dropped by 55.6%, likely due to reduced public gatherings during the festive season. Other theft and shoplifting also saw sharp increases, with other theft rising by 50% and shoplifting doubling from 1 to 2 incidents. These trends highlight a shift in criminal focus, with property-related offences gaining prominence despite the overall low crime rate. Violence and sexual offences remained well below the UK average, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2.6 per 1,000. This divergence underscores Cambourne’s relative safety in violent crime, possibly due to its built-up, residential nature, which may limit opportunities for such offences. For residents, the burglary increase serves as a clear reminder to secure homes during periods of absence, even in areas with historically low crime rates.

Cambourne’s crime rate in December 2023 (3.3 per 1,000 residents) was 7.1% lower than the previous month’s rate of 3.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, highlights the potential for rapid shifts in crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 304 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Cambourne among the safest areas in the UK. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it illustrates the rarity of crime in everyday life compared to national averages. When viewed against the UK context, Cambourne’s crime rate remains 54.2% below the national average, a gap that persists despite the burglary surge. This comparison underscores the area’s resilience to crime, even as specific categories fluctuate. The population context further reinforces this safety profile: with 11,870 residents, the small size of Cambourne may contribute to a more cohesive community, potentially reducing opportunities for crime through increased social oversight. However, the burglary spike serves as a reminder that even low-crime areas are not immune to sudden changes, necessitating continued vigilance and community engagement.