Cambourne Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cambourne’s crime profile in May 2023, accounting for 43.5% of all reported crimes. With a total crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap of 51.2%. This low rate contrasts with national trends, particularly in violent crime, where Cambourne’s rate of 1.7 per 1,000 is 39% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 21.7% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson accounted for 8.7%. These figures align with Cambourne’s character as a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, where community cohesion and relatively low population density may contribute to lower rates of property crime. Seasonal factors in May—such as extended daylight hours and increased outdoor socialising—could partly explain the prominence of violence and sexual offences, as these activities often intensify during warmer evenings. The area’s crime picture reflects a balance between local demographics and broader regional patterns, with no single factor dominating the data.

May 2023 saw notable shifts in Cambourne’s crime mix, with increases in three categories and decreases in others. Other crime rose sharply by 100% (from 0 to 2), while burglary also doubled (from 0 to 1). Criminal damage and arson increased by 100% (from 2 to 4), suggesting a potential uptick in targeted acts during the month. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50% (from 4 to 2), and shoplifting fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), possibly reflecting heightened awareness or changes in local policing priorities. Public order offences decreased by 40% (from 5 to 3), which may align with the area’s generally low levels of disorder. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common category, were still 39% below the UK average. For residents, the 50% reduction in shoplifting could indicate effective local measures, such as improved lighting or community engagement initiatives, though no specific programmes are mentioned in the data. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, even in areas with historically low rates.

Cambourne’s crime rate in May 2023 rose 28.1% from the previous month’s 3.0 per 1,000 to 3.9 per 1,000, marking a modest upward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly one crime per day across the built-up area’s 11,870 residents, a figure that suggests manageable levels of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 258 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s overall safety compared to national benchmarks. While the increase from April is notable, Cambourne’s crime rate remains well below the UK average, with violent crime in particular showing a marked disparity. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with the 28.1% rise, the area’s crime burden remains light relative to its size. This context is critical for residents, as it highlights the importance of maintaining current community-focused strategies while monitoring trends that may indicate emerging risks. The comparison also illustrates how local factors—such as the area’s compact layout and strong social networks—can buffer against broader national crime trends.