Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire) Crime Rate

Crime in Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire)

Hardwick is a secure and generally quiet village in South Cambridgeshire, currently holding an excellent safety score of 91/100. This places it well above the UK average of 79, reflecting a very safe environment for its 1,138 residents. The overall crime rate in Hardwick is 35.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 48.1% rise recorded year-over-year. This upward movement, while starting from a low base, suggests that residents should be more aware of local security. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in the area and when they are most likely to happen.

Crime Breakdown in Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire)

The crime profile of Hardwick is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed by vehicle crime at 20.0% and anti-social behaviour at 15.0%. These top three categories represent the most frequent issues in the area, with vehicle crime being notably more prominent here than in many neighbouring villages.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, it highlights specific areas of concern for local homeowners. Vehicle crime is the primary property issue, making up a fifth of all crime in the area. Shoplifting also features at 10.0%, while burglary and other theft are relatively low at 5.0% and 2.5% respectively. For residents, this means that while the risk of a residential break-in is low, the security of vehicles parked outside is a much higher priority. Protecting cars and vans with additional security measures is strongly advised for the Hardwick community.

Crime Trends in Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire)

The crime trend in Hardwick is currently increasing, with a significant 48.1% rise year-over-year. This sharp upward movement is an important factor for residents to consider, even though the overall crime rate remains well below national levels. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals that the year began with moderate activity, recording 4.4 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate dropped to its lowest point of 0.9 in February, April, and May.

The summer months saw a steady increase, reaching 3.5 in July and October. However, the most significant change occurred in November, when the crime rate spiked dramatically to 12.3 per 1,000. This late-year surge is the primary driver behind the overall annual increase. For a small community like Hardwick, such a spike can be caused by a specific series of incidents. Residents should remain vigilant to see if this trend continues into the new year.

How To Keep Safe in Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire)

The most common crime in Hardwick is violence and sexual offences, representing 30.0% of all reported incidents. However, the high prevalence of vehicle crime (20.0%) is a specific concern for the local community.

To stay safe, always ensure your vehicle is locked and avoid leaving any valuables, such as bags or electronics, on display. If possible, park in a well-lit area or a secure garage. Secondly, be mindful of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening, and stick to familiar, well-lit routes. Thirdly, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour also present, maintaining a visible presence and looking out for local businesses can help deter opportunistic crime. Finally, staying active in local neighbourhood watch schemes and keeping in touch with your neighbours is one of the best ways to maintain Hardwick’s strong safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the most effective tools for keeping the village safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Hardwick (South Cambridgeshire)

Crime in Hardwick shows strong temporal trends, particularly concerning vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), vehicle crime is a major factor, accounting for 48% of reported incidents. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), the focus shifts slightly, with vehicle crime at 24% and burglary reaching its daily high of 14%. This indicates that properties are most vulnerable during the middle of the day.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime rises again to 42% of total incidents, while burglary remains a factor at 8%. However, the most striking pattern occurs overnight (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 70% of all reported incidents. Burglary is at its lowest during this period at 6%. These patterns highlight that vehicle security is a critical concern throughout the day, but especially during the late-night and early-morning hours in Hardwick.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Hardwick presents a mixed safety profile. Its crime rate of 35.1 is significantly lower than Highfields Caldecote, which reports 59.5 crimes per 1,000 people. However, it is higher than Comberton (23.1) and far higher than nearby Toft and Dry Drayton, both of which reported 0.0 crimes. While Hardwick remains a very safe settlement in the context of the broader UK, these local comparisons highlight that it is a slightly busier area for criminal activity than some of its closest South Cambridgeshire counterparts.

Proactive Security for Hardwick Residents

With a property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people and a significant 48.1% increase in overall crime, Hardwick homeowners should consider more advanced security measures. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or DIY alarms are reactive—they notify you after a window is broken or provide footage of a crime that has already occurred. This approach provides evidence but does not prevent the incident from happening.

Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, offers a different approach. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your home. This is particularly valuable in Hardwick, where vehicle crime accounts for 20.0% of all incidents. scOS can distinguish between residents and suspicious loiterers, and can even verify vehicle plates. If a threat is detected at night, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, stopping a crime at the boundary and keeping your home and vehicles secure.