South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the district 41.6% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This consistent underperformance relative to national figures reflects the area’s broader safety profile, shaped by its mix of rural and suburban landscapes. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.4%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%). These figures align with the district’s character: a largely rural area with pockets of urban development, where community-focused policing and lower population density likely contribute to reduced rates of violent crime. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition to spring—may have influenced activity patterns, with increased outdoor engagement potentially affecting crime dynamics. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences in the area remains 45% below the UK average, a stark contrast to many urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, while the second most common category, is still 34% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or environmental factors may be effective in mitigating such incidents. The lower prevalence of property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime further reinforces the area’s safety profile, with burglary rates 25% above the UK average but remaining relatively low in absolute terms. These patterns indicate that South Cambridgeshire’s crime profile is shaped by its geographical and demographic context, with lower population density and strong community ties likely playing a role in maintaining crime rates below national benchmarks.

April 2024 saw a 90% drop in robbery incidents, from 10 to 1, marking a dramatic reduction in this category. This decline aligns with broader trends in South Cambridgeshire, where violent crime rates are 45% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Conversely, shoplifting incidents doubled, rising from 27 to 54—a 100% increase—highlighting a sharp shift in property crime patterns. This surge may be linked to increased foot traffic during the Easter holiday period, a seasonal factor consistent with springtime retail activity in the area. Vehicle crime also rose by 47.2%, from 36 to 53, potentially reflecting changes in parking behaviour or increased vehicle presence during the Easter break. Anti-social behaviour increased by 17.2%, from 116 to 136, a rise that could be connected to the higher volume of visitors during the holiday period. The rate of anti-social behaviour in South Cambridgeshire remains 34% below the UK average, suggesting that while there is an upward trend, the overall level of this category remains significantly lower than national benchmarks. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of crime patterns, influenced by both local conditions and seasonal factors.

South Cambridgeshire’s crime rate in April 2024 rose by 3.4% compared to March 2024, from 4.4 to 4.5 per 1,000 residents. This small increase contrasts with the broader trend of sustained below-average crime rates relative to the UK. Locally, 26 crimes were reported per day on average in April, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low crime profile despite the upward tick. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 220 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure for South Cambridgeshire’s population of 172,544. This rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, which saw 7.7 crimes per 1,000 residents in the same period. The local population context suggests that even with the 3.4% increase, the area remains safer than the national average, with crime levels far below the thresholds seen in many urban centres. The daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents: in any given day, the likelihood of a crime occurring in the district is much lower than in areas with higher rates, reinforcing the district’s position as a safer place to live compared to the UK as a whole.