South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire’s crime rate in March 2024 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 42.9% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s comparatively low crime environment. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (35.2% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%). These figures align with the area’s mix of rural and urban landscapes, where high streets and community hubs may drive anti-social behaviour, while the relative safety of the district likely stems from its low population density and strong community engagement. The seasonal context of March — a transition to spring, with longer evenings and clocks changing — may have influenced patterns, such as the slight increase in criminal damage and arson, which could be linked to increased outdoor activity. However, the rate of burglary in the area (0.4 per 1,000) is 25% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), an outlier that suggests specific vulnerabilities, tied to the distribution of properties or targeted offences in certain neighbourhoods. This anomaly highlights the need for targeted analysis, as the overall crime profile remains significantly safer than the national average. The low rate of theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) further reinforces the area’s safety, though the rise in 'other crime' and possession of weapons indicates emerging challenges that may require attention. These findings reflect a complex picture where the area’s character — a blend of rural tranquility and urban amenities — shapes its crime profile in ways distinct from the UK as a whole.

March 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within South Cambridgeshire. Possession of weapons increased by 80% compared to February, rising from 5 to 9 incidents — a sharp uptick that may reflect seasonal or environmental factors. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 20%, dropping from 45 to 36, potentially linked to reduced foot traffic during the transition to spring. The breakdown of crimes reveals a striking contrast: violence and sexual offences (35.2% of total crimes) remain the most prevalent category, yet their rate is 40% below the UK average. This divergence highlights the area’s unique profile, where violent crime is less frequent than in other parts of the country. Other notable trends include a 66.7% increase in 'other crime' and a 43.4% rise in criminal damage and arson, which may be influenced by the lengthening evenings and increased outdoor activity as spring approaches. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 33.3%, a decline that could be attributed to heightened awareness or seasonal factors. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of local conditions and broader crime trends.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in March 2024 rose by 9.2% compared to February's 4.0 per 1,000 residents, reaching 4.4 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, 24 crimes were reported each day in March — a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 228 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in a safer bracket compared to the UK average. The population context reveals that South Cambridgeshire’s 172,544 residents face a crime risk that is 42.9% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national profile. This discrepancy may partly explain the relatively low rates of property crime and theft from the person, which are both significantly below UK averages. However, the rise in certain categories, such as burglary, highlights the need for nuanced analysis of local factors. The area’s mix of rural and urban landscapes likely influences these dynamics, with property crimes more concentrated in urban centres and violent offences distributed across the district. These findings suggest that while South Cambridgeshire remains a comparatively safe place to live, targeted interventions may be needed to address emerging trends.