South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire’s crime rate in February 2025 stood at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 38.8% below the UK average of 6.7. This figure, though low, reveals a nuanced picture of crime distribution. Violent crimes (249) and property crimes (247) were nearly equal, marking a rare equilibrium that contrasts with typical patterns where property crime often dominates. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.6% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and shoplifting (8.9%). The area’s low crime rate is consistent with its character as a largely rural district with limited urban density, where community cohesion and low population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. However, the balance between property and violent crime suggests that local factors—such as seasonal lulls in outdoor activity or the timing of university breaks—may influence patterns. February, a winter month, typically sees lower outdoor engagement, which could explain the relatively low rates of crimes like burglary or vehicle theft. Yet the rise in shoplifting and public order offences hints at other dynamics, such as increased indoor activity or the impact of holiday-related spending. The UK average for violent crime (2.4 per 1,000) is 40% higher than South Cambridgeshire’s rate, a difference that may reflect the area’s demographic profile, including a higher proportion of older residents or a strong emphasis on community policing. While the overall rate remains favourable, the shift in crime type distribution underscores the need to monitor emerging trends, particularly in retail and public spaces.

February 2025 saw a sharp 77.1% increase in shoplifting, rising from 35 to 62 incidents. This surge, though not uncommon during winter months, may partly explain the balance between property and violent crime. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 59.3%, and vehicle crime increased by 57.1%, both reflecting potential shifts in local activity patterns. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 55.6%, and burglary dropped by 17.5%, indicating some areas of improvement. Violent crimes, however, remained 40% below the UK average, with a rate of 1.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast to national trends suggests that local factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may be contributing to this disparity. For residents, the 77.1% rise in shoplifting offers a tangible example of how specific crime types can fluctuate rapidly, even within a generally low-crime area.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in February 2025 rose by 11.0% compared to the previous month, moving from 3.7 to 4.1 per 1,000 residents. This upward shift, though modest, highlights the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 25 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the community. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 247 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relative safety of the area compared to national averages. With a population of 172,544, this translates to a manageable scale of incidents, though the rise in specific categories warrants attention. The comparison to the UK average, while not directly applicable to daily figures, reinforces the area’s position as a safer jurisdiction. Residents may find the monthly exposure rate particularly useful for understanding risk levels in their immediate environment.