South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire's overall crime rate in December 2025 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 38.6% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistent trend of lower crime levels in the area, which is characterised by a mix of rural and suburban communities with strong local amenities and infrastructure. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.4% of all reported incidents (269 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.1%). These patterns may be influenced by the area's demographic composition, with a significant proportion of residents working in professional or technical sectors, and the seasonal context of December, which typically sees increased foot traffic in retail areas and social gatherings during the festive period. However, the crime rate for violent offences remains lower than the UK average, with the local rate of 1.6 per 1,000 being 38% below the national figure. This could be attributed to the area's lower population density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime, as well as the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, empty homes over the holidays, and the peak of Christmas shopping—may also play a role in shaping crime patterns, with property crimes rising due to increased home vulnerability during this time. Despite these factors, the overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that the area's broader social and economic characteristics contribute to its relatively safe environment.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in December 2025 was a 100% increase in robbery cases, rising from 2 to 4 incidents. This sharp spike, though still a small number in absolute terms, may be linked to the seasonal context of late-night festive events and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 64.7% (from 17 to 6), a drop that could reflect heightened awareness during the holiday season or the implementation of local anti-theft measures. Other notable shifts included a 15.4% rise in public order offences, influenced by the party season and extended evening hours, while possession of weapons fell by 50% (from 8 to 4), suggesting a reduction in knife-related incidents. When compared to the UK average, South Cambridgeshire's violent crime rate (1.6 per 1,000) remains 38% below the national figure, a consistent trend that underscores the area's relatively low levels of violent crime. This contrast with the UK average is particularly stark in categories like shoplifting (65% below) and vehicle crime (46% below), indicating that the area's mix of rural and commuter-oriented communities may contribute to its distinct crime profile.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in December 2025 dropped by 11.2% compared to November 2025, falling from 4.8 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during the festive season, where heightened community activity and seasonal events may temporarily deter certain types of crime. On a daily basis, 24 crimes were reported across the 31 days of December, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, reflects the area's generally lower crime profile relative to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 233 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in terms of local population density. With a population of 172,544, the monthly exposure figure suggests that the vast majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis, though the seasonal context of December—marked by empty homes during holidays and reduced visibility—may still influence specific crime types such as burglary or vehicle-related offences. This comparison highlights the importance of viewing crime rates through both absolute and relative lenses, ensuring that residents and policymakers understand the full picture of safety in the area.