Over Crime Rate

Over is one of the safest urban settlements in South Cambridgeshire, with an overall crime rate of 34.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the village an excellent safety score of 92/100. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a stable trend with a slight 4.7% decrease in crime. Property crime is notably low at just 8.9 per 1,000 residents, suggesting that the area is particularly secure for homeowners. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, timing patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring areas to help you understand the local safety landscape.

In Over, the most frequent crime types are violence and sexual offences (33.7%), anti-social behaviour (26.7%), and criminal damage and arson (9.9%). Property crime—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—is exceptionally low at 8.9 per 1,000 residents. Burglary itself accounts for 6.9% of total crime, while vehicle crime stands at 5.0%. For residents, these figures indicate a very safe environment where the primary concerns are behavioural and public order-related rather than serious property theft. However, the combined property crime rate still warrants basic security precautions for homeowners.

Over has maintained a stable crime trend, with a slight 4.7% decrease in total offences over the last year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate fluctuated between a low of 1.4 per 1,000 in November 2025 and a peak of 4.1 in July and October 2025. For much of the year, the rate stayed around the 3.1 mark. This consistency indicates that the village does not suffer from sudden spikes in criminal activity, providing a predictable and secure environment for its residents. The overall downward trend is a positive sign for the local community's safety.

How To Keep Safe in Over

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Over, though the overall risk remains very low. To enhance your personal safety, try to stay in well-lit, populated areas when walking at night and trust your instincts in unfamiliar situations. Carrying a personal alarm can provide extra peace of mind.

For property security, be aware that 41% of burglaries in Over occur during the afternoon (12pm-6pm). Ensure your home is secure when you are out, using timers for internal lights to give the impression of occupancy. Keep all doors and windows locked, even when you are in another part of the house or in the garden. Vehicle crime peaks at night (36%), so always park in a well-lit area or garage if possible, and never leave valuables inside your car. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help the community stay vigilant and report suspicious activity early.

Crime timing in Over follows clear patterns. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the peak time for burglary, accounting for 41% of such incidents. Morning and afternoon hours also see the highest concentration of theft-related offences (16% each). As the evening and night progress, 'other' crimes and anti-social behaviour become more prominent, making up 46% of evening activity. Vehicle crime is most concentrated during the night period (12am-6am), where it accounts for 36% of incidents. This suggests that while theft is a daytime risk, vehicles are most at risk overnight when the village is quiet.

When compared to its neighbours, Over stands out as a particularly safe location. Its crime rate of 34.5 is significantly lower than Swavesey (58.5) and Willingham (50.6). It is also much safer than Needingworth (93.9) and Bluntisham and Colne (52.1). This makes Over an attractive option for those seeking a quiet, secure environment while remaining close to these other settlements. The area's consistently high safety score and low property crime rate reinforce its position as a regional leader in safety.

With a property crime rate of only 8.9 per 1,000 in Over, residents already enjoy a high level of security. However, to maintain this and protect against the burglaries that do occur (peaking in the afternoon at 41%), proactive protection is the best approach. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they record footage of an event but do nothing to stop it. scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. By identifying potential intruders before they reach your home, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as lights and speakers to deter them. This intelligent, real-time intervention is far more effective than simply having a recording of a crime after the fact.