Sawston Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Sawston

Sawston, a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, reports an overall crime rate of 41.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning Sawston as a very safe community. The area achieves an impressive safety score of 90 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average of 78. Furthermore, Sawston has experienced a positive trend, with a notable 11.1% decrease in crime year-on-year. This combination of low rates, a high safety score, and a downward trend paints a very reassuring picture for its 7,304 residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Sawston

In Sawston, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 45.2% of all reported crimes with 137 incidents (18.8 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, representing 19.8% of crimes with 60 incidents (8.2 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most common crime, contributing 7.9% of the total with 24 incidents (3.3 per 1,000).

When focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Sawston experiences a very low rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific property crime figures include 21 incidents of other theft (2.9 per 1,000), 15 burglaries (2.0 per 1,000), and 6 vehicle crimes (0.8 per 1,000). The low incidence of these crimes signifies a generally secure environment for homeowners and residents. While the overall figures are low, awareness of these particular crime types can help residents maintain vigilance and protect their property effectively.

Crime Trends in Sawston

Sawston has experienced a positive crime trend over the last year, with a significant decrease of 11.1% year-on-year. Reviewing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations but an overall downward trajectory. The rate started at 4.1 in October 2024, showed a dip to 1.9 in February 2025, before rising to a peak of 5.1 in June. The year concluded with a rate of 3.0 in September 2025.

Despite the occasional monthly increase, the year-on-year reduction indicates a sustained improvement in safety. This decreasing trend is highly favourable for residents, suggesting that efforts to maintain a secure environment are proving effective. The overall pattern provides reassurance regarding the long-term safety outlook for Sawston.

Crime Time Patterns in Sawston

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Sawston reveals distinct shifts in activity. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 48% of crimes, followed by 'Other' crimes at 30%. Burglary also represents a significant 15% during this period, suggesting vulnerabilities as residents commute or start their day. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the highest category at 48%, with burglary increasing to 23%, potentially linked to unattended properties during working hours. 'Other' crimes account for 27% in the afternoon.

The evening period (6pm-12am) experiences a notable shift, with 'Other' crimes becoming dominant at 48%, indicating a broader range of incidents beyond specific property crimes. Burglary remains a concern at 23%, while theft drops to 22%. Night-time (12am-6am) sees burglary peak at 30%, making it the most significant threat when properties are typically unoccupied or residents are asleep. 'Other' crimes are also high at 38%, and vehicle crime represents 20%. These patterns highlight specific times when residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their homes and vehicles.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context for Sawston's crime statistics, it's helpful to compare it with neighbouring built-up areas. Whittlesford, Babraham, Duxford, and Great Shelford and Stapleford are all in proximity and offer valuable comparisons. Sawston's overall crime rate of 41.5 per 1,000, and a property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000, are likely to be lower than some of these communities, particularly Great Shelford and Stapleford, which may have higher population densities or more amenities. Smaller, more rural villages like Babraham or Duxford might exhibit similarly low crime figures. This comparison helps residents understand Sawston's position within the local safety landscape, highlighting its relative security and positive decreasing trend.

Protecting Your Property in Sawston

Given Sawston's very low property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents and a decreasing overall crime trend, the community is generally very safe. However, even in low-crime areas, proactive security measures remain essential to deter opportunistic criminals. Traditional security solutions, such as basic alarm systems or recording cameras like Ring/Nest, often alert you after a break-in has occurred, providing evidence rather than preventing the crime. For true peace of mind, prevention is key.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a superior level of proactive protection. Instead of merely recording, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, stopping criminals before they can even attempt a break-in. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures no blind spots, and features like pattern learning distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats. With autonomous responses like lights and speakers, scOS creates a visible and vocal deterrent, making potential intruders think twice within their critical 60-second assessment window. For Sawston residents, investing in such professional-grade security reinforces the area's already strong safety profile and ensures your property remains secure against any potential threats.