Sawston Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Sawston's January 2026 crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents stands at 50% below the UK average of 6.8, a stark contrast to the national picture. This built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, likely characterised by a mix of residential and small-scale commercial activity, recorded 25 crimes in total, with violence and sexual offences (12 incidents) comprising nearly half of all reports. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days — may contribute to the subdued levels of property crime, which accounted for only 6 of the 25 total incidents. Violent crime, while the most common category, remained 36% below the UK average for this type, suggesting that local factors such as community cohesion or effective policing may play a role. Public order offences, though a smaller proportion of the total, showed a 100% increase from December, linked to the colder weather and reduced outdoor activity driving more incidents indoors. The overall picture illustrates a relatively safe environment, though the rise in public order and theft categories warrants attention to local dynamics that could influence these trends in the coming months.

January 2026 saw a stark rise in other theft, which more than tripled from one to three incidents — a 200% increase. Public order offences also doubled, reflecting a shift in the crime mix that may correlate with seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and post-holiday transitions. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 77.8% compared to December, a drop consistent with the reduced retail footfall and quieter public spaces typical of January. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, but their rate of 1.6 per 1,000 was 36% below the UK average for this category, highlighting Sawston's relative safety in this area. Other theft and shoplifting were both significantly below national averages, with shoplifting at 82% below the UK rate — a figure that may indicate effective local policing or a lower retail presence compared to other regions.

Sawston's January 2026 crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents marks a 4.0% increase from December's 3.3 per 1,000 — a shift that, while modest, reflects the monthly rhythm of local policing and reporting cycles. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one crime reported every 31 days, translating to a local frequency of one crime for every 292 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure, while low, underscores the relatively stable environment in a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire. When contextualised against the population of 7,304, the rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that Sawston's demographic and geographic characteristics — likely a mix of residential and small-scale commercial activity — contribute to its lower crime profile. The absence of major industrial or tourist hubs may further explain the subdued levels of property crime compared to larger urban centres.