Harston Crime Rate

Harston is a remarkably safe urban settlement located in South Cambridgeshire, currently holding a safety score of 91/100. The area's overall crime rate stands at 36.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. This high safety ranking is further supported by a downward trend in local criminal activity, with a year-over-year decrease of 17.6%. For residents and prospective movers, these figures represent a low-risk environment compared to many other parts of the country. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local statistics to help you understand the safety landscape of Harston.

In Harston, violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent report, accounting for 28.6% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.8% and burglary at 16.7%. Property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 16.6 per 1,000 residents. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, the prevalence of burglary within this category suggests that residential security remains a relevant consideration for local homeowners. Ensuring outbuildings and entry points are well-secured is advisable despite the area's generally high safety profile.

Harston has seen a notable decrease in crime over the past year, with a 17.6% reduction in total reports. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the area started the year with very low activity in January (0.9 crimes per 1,000). A spike occurred in April, reaching 7.0 per 1,000, before stabilizing for several months at 2.6. Another increase was noted in October (5.2) and November (4.4). Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend remains downward, suggesting that the local environment is becoming increasingly secure. This volatility is common in smaller populations where a few incidents can significantly impact the monthly rate.

How To Keep Safe in Harston

The most prevalent crime type in Harston is violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate is low, maintaining personal awareness is always beneficial. When walking alone, especially after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid isolated footpaths. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and consider sharing your live location with a trusted contact if you are out late.

For property safety, given the burglary rate, ensure that all side gates and garden sheds are secured with high-quality locks. Visible security measures, such as professional-grade cameras or alarm systems, often act as an effective deterrent. Always double-check that windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home, to prevent opportunistic entry.

Crime patterns in Harston show distinct variations throughout the day. Burglary is a significant factor across all time periods but peaks during the night (12am-6am), where it accounts for 50% of incidents. Morning and afternoon periods see a higher concentration of theft-related offences (38% and 36% respectively), likely coinciding with daytime activity. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night, representing 23% of reported incidents in that window. Evening crime is dominated by burglary (45%) and 'other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour. This data suggests that while the area is quiet, property crime is the primary concern during the hours of darkness.

When comparing Harston to its immediate neighbours, it sits in a relatively quiet pocket of South Cambridgeshire. Nearby settlements such as Hauxton, Newton, and Little Shelford all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, indicating exceptionally low activity. However, Harston remains more favourable than Foxton, which has a slightly higher crime rate of 41.2 per 1,000. For those looking at the wider region, Harston offers a balanced profile of high safety and manageable urban activity.

With a property crime rate of 16.6 per 1,000 people, Harston residents enjoy a level of security much higher than the national average. However, the fact that burglary and theft still occur highlights the limitations of traditional, reactive security measures. Most standard CCTV systems simply record a crime as it happens, providing footage that is often of little use after the event. In contrast, scOS offers a proactive approach to home protection. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies threats at the property boundary in real-time. This allows for autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter an intruder before they can attempt a break-in. For Harston homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to maintain the area's high safety standards and protect personal property.