Great Shelford and Stapleford Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 marked a continuation of the low crime trend in Great Shelford and Stapleford, with an overall rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents—60% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, characterized by its suburban and semi-rural mix, has consistently reported crime figures far below national levels. The top crime types in April were violence and sexual offences (25% of total), criminal damage and arson (20%), and anti-social behaviour (20%), all of which were significantly below UK averages. For instance, violence and sexual offences in the area were 69% below the UK rate, a disparity that may be attributed to the area’s relatively low population density and strong community networks. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and milder spring weather—likely influenced patterns, as increased outdoor activity could have both reduced opportunities for certain crimes and heightened others. For example, the 329% above UK average rate for bicycle theft may be linked to the area’s proximity to Cambridge, where cycling is a common mode of transport. However, the overall crime rate remained stable, with no major spikes in property or violent crime. This consistency with historical trends suggests that local factors, such as effective policing and community engagement, have played a role in maintaining low crime levels, even as seasonal shifts occasionally alter specific categories.

April 2023 brought contrasting trends in crime types, with bicycle theft surging by 100% to two incidents, while violence and sexual offences fell sharply by 44.4% to five cases. This shift may reflect seasonal changes, as spring weather and Easter activities could have reduced opportunities for violent crime while increasing outdoor cycling. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 42.9%, from seven to four incidents, suggesting a possible alignment with holiday-related community dynamics. Bicycle theft in the area is 329% above the UK average, a stark contrast to other categories like criminal damage, which is 2% below the national rate. This anomaly could be linked to the area’s proximity to Cambridge, where cycling is prevalent. The data also shows a significant drop in public order offences, from two to one, a 50% decrease that may indicate improved policing or community engagement during the Easter period. These fluctuations highlight the need for nuanced analysis of local factors influencing crime patterns.

April 2023 saw a marked decline in crime, with the area’s rate falling by 19.9% from 3.8 per 1,000 in March to 3.0 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as spring weather and the Easter holiday may have contributed to lower public activity in some areas. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 6,641 residents. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 332 residents—a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average, the area’s crime rate remains significantly lower, but the month-on-month drop highlights a recent shift in local dynamics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a noticeable impact on perceived safety, particularly in communities where crime is already rare. This context is critical for residents evaluating long-term trends and understanding how local factors, such as seasonal changes or community initiatives, may influence crime patterns.