Cambourne Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cambourne's crime profile in July 2024 reveals a striking anomaly: 'other crime' — a category encompassing everything from fraud to environmental offences — was 253% above the UK average, with 7 reported incidents (0.6 per 1,000 residents). This figure, though not explicitly defined by the data, suggests a potential shift in criminal activity patterns or reporting practices. The overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents remains 32.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a consistent trend for the built-up area within South Cambridgeshire. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.7% of all reported incidents (27 cases), while anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed with 16.2% and 11.8% shares respectively. Seasonal factors likely contributed to this pattern: the peak of summer, with schools out and tourism at its height, may have increased opportunities for certain offences. For instance, the high rate of violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) could be partially explained by the influx of visitors to local festivals and events. Conversely, the UK average for this category is 2.9 per 1,000, meaning Cambourne's rate is 19% below the national benchmark. The lower-than-expected figures for anti-social behaviour (38% below UK average) and public order offences (53% below) may reflect the area's compact, community-focused nature, where social cohesion and local policing efforts appear to mitigate such disturbances. However, the sharp increase in 'other crime' raises questions about underreported or newly emerging offence types, warranting further examination in subsequent months.

July 2024 saw significant fluctuations in Cambourne's crime mix, with 'other crime' surging by 250% (from 2 to 7 cases) — a category that, while not defined in the data, may include cybercrime or financial fraud. This spike, which brought the rate to 0.6 per 1,000 (253% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000), contrasts with a 35.3% decline in anti-social behaviour, which dropped from 17 to 11 cases. The decrease in anti-social behaviour, a category often linked to alcohol-fueled disputes in urban areas, may be attributed to local initiatives or seasonal factors. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained stable at 8 cases (0.7 per 1,000), just 3% above the UK average, suggesting that retail outlets in Cambourne, despite summer foot traffic, have maintained effective security measures. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted: while violent offences accounted for 39.7% of total crimes, property crimes (16 cases) represented a smaller proportion than usual, likely due to the summer season's impact on outdoor theft. The rate of vehicle crime rose by 200% (from 1 to 3 cases), though it remains below the UK average. For residents, the 35.3% reduction in anti-social behaviour offers a tangible benefit, linked to local community engagement or policing strategies that have gained traction during the summer months.

Cambourne's crime rate in July 2024 (5.7 per 1,000) marked a 38.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.1 per 1,000, a rise that may reflect seasonal dynamics such as the influx of summer visitors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, highlights the concentrated nature of criminal activity in this built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 175 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. With a population of 11,870, Cambourne's crime statistics suggest a relatively safe environment, particularly when compared to the national context. The 32.1% gap between Cambourne's rate and the UK average (8.4 per 1,000) underscores the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts, though this must be balanced against the sharp increase in 'other crime'. The area's compact size and likely strong community networks may contribute to its lower crime rates, as compared to larger, more dispersed populations. However, the 253% increase in 'other crime' relative to the UK average indicates a need for targeted analysis, as this category's nature remains unclear. For residents, the 38.7% month-on-month increase serves as a reminder that crime trends can fluctuate rapidly, even in areas with historically low rates.