South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in September 2023 remained significantly below the UK average, standing at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure represents a 42.5% reduction compared to the national average of 8.0, highlighting the area's consistent safety record. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (34.1% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and vehicle crime (9.5%). These patterns align with the area's character as a mix of rural and suburban communities, where lower population density and effective local policing likely contribute to reduced crime opportunities. Seasonal factors also played a role: the return to school and university routines in September may have influenced the decline in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, while the onset of shorter evenings could have affected patterns of public order incidents. Despite the overall low crime rate, the breakdown shows that South Cambridgeshire's performance in specific categories—such as shoplifting, which was 82% below the UK average—demonstrates a unique local context. The area's relatively low levels of violent crime, combined with its strong performance in property-related offences, suggest a combination of geographic and demographic factors, including a dispersed population and a focus on community-based crime prevention strategies. These trends, while positive, require continued monitoring to ensure they are sustained as seasonal and demographic shifts occur.

September 2023 saw a sharp 38.7% drop in shoplifting, with incidents falling from 31 to 19. This decline may be linked to the start of the academic year, as students return to universities and colleges, potentially increasing foot traffic in retail areas and reducing opportunities for theft. Conversely, 'other crime' rose by 90.9%, with reports jumping from 11 to 21. This category includes a range of incidents not easily classified, such as public order disturbances or minor disorder, which may be influenced by the seasonal shift towards evenings and social gatherings. Violent crime remained the most common category, accounting for 34.1% of all incidents, but it was 42% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 20.9%, likely reflecting the return of students to academic routines and the associated reduction in unstructured social activities. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the impact of seasonal rhythms on community safety.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in September 2023 fell by 9.9% compared to August, dropping from 5.1 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the area's historically low crime profile, which remains 42.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 26 crimes were recorded across the district, a figure that reflects the area's relatively small population and spread-out settlements. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 219 residents, a ratio that underscores the low frequency of incidents in this region. When compared to the UK average, South Cambridgeshire's performance in several categories is striking: shoplifting, for example, was 82% below the national rate. This suggests a combination of effective policing, community engagement, and the area's character as a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, where high-traffic retail hubs are fewer and more dispersed. The monthly exposure figure, while low, also highlights the importance of local awareness and vigilance in maintaining this trend.