South Cambridgeshire Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

South Cambridgeshire's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a nuanced balance between property and violent crime, with both categories contributing nearly equally to the overall rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This rate, 26.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, underscores the area's consistent performance in maintaining lower crime levels relative to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.0%. This distribution suggests a combination of factors, including the area's demographic composition and local social dynamics. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may influence both property and violent crime trends. While property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting are typically associated with increased outdoor activity, the month's low temperatures and limited daylight could paradoxically drive indoor activity, contributing to the rise in violent offences. However, the overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, indicating that local initiatives and community structures may be effectively mitigating broader national trends. The relatively low incidence of violent crime compared to the UK average may be linked to the area's characteristics, such as its rural-urban mix and the presence of educational institutions, which could foster a more stable social environment. This balanced crime profile, though showing some month-on-month fluctuations, highlights the importance of continued investment in community policing and targeted interventions to sustain the area's safety record.

February 2026 saw significant increases in shoplifting, burglary, and criminal damage and arson, with shoplifting rising by 125% compared to January. This surge in shoplifting may indicate seasonal pressures, such as pre-spring retail activity or changes in consumer behaviour during the winter lull. Burglary also increased by 69.2%, a notable shift that could be linked to colder weather driving indoor activity and altering patterns of home security. Conversely, several categories showed marked declines, including possession of weapons (-63.6%), bicycle theft (-50.0%), and theft from the person (-50.0%). These decreases align with the seasonal context of February, a month characterised by reduced outdoor activity and lower visibility, which may deter certain types of crime. Violent crimes, though remaining the most common category, were 27% below the UK average, suggesting a broader trend of lower aggression-related incidents in the area compared to national levels. This contrast between property and violent crime dynamics highlights the need for targeted community engagement strategies that address both rising and declining categories.

South Cambridgeshire's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 8.5% compared to January's 4.4 per 1,000, reaching 4.7 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, where reduced daylight and colder weather may influence crime dynamics. Daily crime figures show 29 crimes reported each day in February, a local metric that reflects the area's population density and community activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 211 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in a way that accounts for the area's population of 172,544. This rate remains significantly below the UK average, underscoring South Cambridgeshire's consistent performance in maintaining lower crime levels relative to national benchmarks. The slight upward trend contrasts with the previous month's stability, suggesting potential shifts in local factors such as seasonal events or community engagement initiatives. However, the overall crime rate remains a marked 26.6% below the UK average, reinforcing the area's position as a relatively safe region despite the month-on-month increase.