Cambourne Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambourne's crime profile in August 2024 demonstrates a marked contrast to national trends, with an overall crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents — 43.9% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure positions the area as one of the safest in the country, particularly when considering its status as a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire. The most prevalent crime category was shoplifting, accounting for 35.2% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (31.5%) and violence and sexual offences (11.1%). The shoplifting spike, which rose 137.5% compared to July, aligns with August's role as a peak holiday month, when retail areas attract higher visitor numbers. This seasonal dynamic likely explains the category's rate of 1.6 per 1,000 — 125% above the UK average for shoplifting. Conversely, violent crime remains exceptionally low, with the category's rate (0.5 per 1,000) 81% below the UK average. The area's low levels of burglary (0.2 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.2 per 1,000) further reinforce its generally safe environment. These patterns are consistent with Cambourne's character as a relatively low-density built-up area, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to sustained crime reduction. The seasonal context of August — with its mix of tourist activity and summer holidays — appears to influence crime patterns, particularly in retail and public spaces.

August 2024 saw a 77.8% reduction in violence and sexual offences, dropping from 27 to 6 incidents. This decline aligns with the area's generally low violent crime profile, which remains 81% below the UK average. Meanwhile, shoplifting surged by 137.5%, jumping from 8 to 19 cases — a rate 125% above the UK average for this category. The increase coincides with August's peak holiday season, when retail areas see heightened foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, accounting for 31.5% of total incidents. While this rate is 3% below the UK average, its persistence reflects ongoing challenges in managing community disorder. The sharp 100% rise in possession of weapons — from 0 to 1 incident — is a rare but notable spike that warrants closer monitoring. Vehicle crime fell 66.7%, likely reflecting reduced car usage during the summer months.

Cambourne's crime rate in August 2024 fell 20.6% compared to July, reflecting a continued downward trend in local crime. With 54 crimes reported over 31 days, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day — a pace significantly slower than the UK average. This equates to one reported crime for every 220 residents over the course of the month, highlighting the area's relative safety compared to national benchmarks. When contextualised against Cambourne's population of 11,870, the figure underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and community engagement efforts. While daily crime counts remain a useful indicator for residents, the monthly exposure metric provides a broader perspective on how often residents might encounter crime in their daily lives. The comparison to previous months suggests sustained improvements in crime prevention, though seasonal factors such as August's peak holiday period may have influenced patterns in specific crime types.