Histon and Impington Crime Rate

Histon and Impington maintains a strong safety profile within South Cambridgeshire, with a crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 residents recorded for 2025. This is notably lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to a high safety score of 86/100. However, the area has seen an 8.1% increase in reported crimes over the past year, indicating an upward trend that residents should monitor. Despite this rise, the overall safety remains well above the national average of 79/100. This settlement, known for its community spirit and proximity to Cambridge, faces specific challenges related to property crime and anti-social behaviour. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the types of crime occurring in Histon and Impington, when they happen, and how the area compares to its neighbours.

In Histon and Impington, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 26.7% of all reports (18.0 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 17.9%, followed by shoplifting at 11.7%. These three categories represent the primary concerns for local law enforcement and the community.

Property crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 31.7 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (6.4%), vehicle crime (4.7%), and bicycle theft (6.6%), along with criminal damage and shoplifting. The relatively high rate of bicycle theft is notable, likely influenced by the area's proximity to Cambridge and its cycling culture. For residents, this means that while the area is generally safe, protecting personal property—particularly high-value items like bicycles and vehicles—requires consistent attention and robust security measures to deter opportunistic theft.

Histon and Impington experienced an 8.1% increase in crime over the last year, moving from a stable to an increasing trend. This growth was not uniform throughout the year; monthly data reveals a significant spike in the early summer.

The crime rate began the year at 4.4 per 1,000 in January and remained relatively low until May, when it jumped to 6.4. June saw the annual peak at 9.0 per 1,000, followed by a slightly lower but still elevated rate of 8.0 in July. The numbers then fluctuated for the remainder of the year, ending at 4.7 in December. This summer surge is a critical insight for residents, suggesting that seasonal factors or specific local events may be driving temporary increases in criminal activity. Staying vigilant during these peak months is particularly important for maintaining personal and property security.

How To Keep Safe in Histon and Impington

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Histon and Impington. While these often involve known parties, personal safety in public and private spaces remains a priority.

When out in the village, particularly during the evening, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. If you are walking home late, consider using a personal safety app or staying on main roads.

To protect against the area's property crime, ensure all home entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Given the rate of bicycle theft (6.6%), always use heavy-duty D-locks and secure your bike to a fixed point, even when stored in a shed or garage.

Be a proactive neighbour by joining local community groups or a Neighbourhood Watch. Reporting suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour promptly helps the police allocate resources effectively. For home security, moving beyond simple cameras to an AI-powered system that can intervene in real-time offers the best defence against opportunistic crime.

Crime in Histon and Impington follows distinct temporal patterns. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak period for theft and shoplifting, likely coinciding with retail activity. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a significant concentration of vehicle crime (27%) and burglary (23%), as offenders take advantage of the darkness and unattended properties. Evening hours are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which often increases as people return from work or engage in evening social activities. Morning hours also see a high percentage of theft-related offences. Overall, the data suggests that while property crime is a 24-hour concern, the specific type of threat shifts from commercial theft during the day to residential and vehicle-focused crime at night.

In the local context, Histon and Impington sits in the middle of the safety spectrum compared to its immediate neighbours. It is significantly safer than Milton, which has a much higher crime rate of 118.1 per 1,000. However, it experiences more crime than Girton (20.3) and Oakington (48.7). It also has a higher rate than nearby Cottenham (54.9). For those looking at the region, Histon and Impington offers a very safe environment overall, but there are quieter pockets nearby. This comparison helps residents understand that while their area is secure by national standards, local fluctuations exist between the various villages and settlements in the South Cambridgeshire district.

Histon and Impington's property crime rate of 31.7 per 1,000 residents highlights a clear need for effective home security. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are most likely to occur at night or during the afternoon, traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that only records the event—is often insufficient.

A proactive approach is far more effective. Systems like scOS use AI to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before a break-in is even attempted. By the time an intruder reaches your door, scOS has already detected them and can autonomously respond with deterrents like activating high-intensity lighting or clear audio warnings. This immediate reaction often causes criminals to abandon their attempt within seconds. For residents of Histon and Impington, shifting from recording a crime to preventing it with an intelligent, multi-camera system provides the highest level of protection for both property and family.