South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire's December 2024 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents stands 43.7% below the UK average of 7.1, marking one of the safest months of the year. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.4%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). This pattern aligns with seasonal trends, as December's dark evenings and holiday-related social gatherings may contribute to heightened interpersonal tensions. The low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average (2.6 per 1,000 for violence and sexual offences, 38% below the national figure) suggests a community environment where public safety initiatives and social cohesion appear to mitigate risk. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average, remains a concern in local hotspots such as town centres during peak shopping hours. The relatively low rate of property crimes—only 37% of total incidents—contrasts with the UK's higher proportion of property-related offences, potentially reflecting South Cambridgeshire's mix of rural and suburban landscapes where homes are less densely packed and visible to neighbours. Seasonal factors, including Christmas shopping and the closure of some retail outlets over the holidays, may have reduced opportunities for theft, though the 100% increase in theft from the person later in the month suggests targeted criminal activity in crowded public spaces.

December 2024 saw a 100% surge in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 4 incidents—a stark shift that may reflect increased foot traffic in retail areas during the festive season. Public order offences also rose sharply by 38.2%, climbing from 34 to 47, which could be linked to heightened alcohol consumption in local pubs and social events. This increase contrasts with declines in other categories: bicycle theft fell 33.3% (from 9 to 6), due to holiday closures reducing opportunities for theft. Possession of weapons also dropped 33.3% (from 6 to 4), though this remains well below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.6 per 1,000, are 38% below the UK rate, suggesting effective policing or community engagement in high-risk areas. Residents might find the 43.7% overall reduction from the UK average reassuring, though the 100% increase in theft from the person highlights a need for vigilance in crowded spaces such as train stations and shopping centres. The decrease in vehicle crime (50% below UK average) and drugs-related offences (100% below UK average) further underscores South Cambridgeshire's relatively low-risk profile for certain categories, due to its suburban character and limited nightlife compared to larger urban centres.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate dropped 5.4% from 4.3 per 1,000 in November to 4.0 per 1,000 in December, reflecting a continued trend of declining incidents. This monthly rate translates to approximately 22 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 248 residents over the course of the month—a figure that highlights the area's comparatively low crime exposure compared to the UK average. The 4.0 rate is particularly notable when scaled to the local population: with 172,544 residents, the area recorded 696 total crimes, equating to a 0.4% incidence rate. This is significantly lower than the UK's 0.71% (7.1 per 1,000), suggesting that South Cambridgeshire's mix of rural and suburban environments, along with its lower population density, may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. The daily crime count of 22 per day, while not negligible, remains well below the national average of roughly 40 per day in similar-sized areas. This contrast is most evident in property crimes: while the UK average for burglary is 0.3 per 1,000, South Cambridgeshire's rate is only 0.3 per 1,000, indicating that local security measures or community watch schemes may be effective. However, the 100% increase in theft from the person serves as a reminder that even in low-crime areas, targeted crime can occur during high-traffic periods, requiring ongoing vigilance.