Swavesey Crime Rate

Swavesey’s crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 residents is 30.9% below the UK average, marking it as one of the safest areas in the country. However, the area is grappling with a 100% year-on-year rise in possession of weapons and a 36% spike in bicycle theft compared to the UK average. These trends highlight the need for targeted safety measures, even in an otherwise secure community.

Swavesey is a built-up area in South Cambridgeshire, characterised by a mix of residential properties, small businesses, and local amenities. Its relatively low population density and community-oriented environment likely contribute to its very safe profile. However, the presence of commuter routes and local retail hubs may explain the elevated rates of vehicle crime and bicycle theft, as these areas often attract transient populations or create opportunities for opportunistic offences.

The most surprising finding is that bicycle theft in Swavesey is 36% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.8 per 1,000). This likely reflects the area’s cycling infrastructure, with residents relying on bikes for daily commutes, and potentially insufficient secure parking facilities. Burglary is also 21% above the UK average (4.0 vs 3.3 per 1,000), which may stem from targeted homes in newer developments with fewer security measures. Meanwhile, vehicle crime is 18% above the UK average (5.5 vs 4.6 per 1,000), linked to commuter parking areas near major roads. These property-related crimes are high compared to the UK average, despite Swavesey’s overall safety. The rise in possession of weapons (+100% YoY) remains unexplained but warrants further local investigation.

Crime in Swavesey has increased by 10.2% year-on-year, with the most dramatic rise in possession of weapons (+100% YoY). Monthly data reveals a sharp peak in February 2026 (9.5 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as post-holiday activity or increased social gatherings. The 50% YoY increase in vehicle crime and bicycle theft aligns with the area’s commuter profile, while the 83.3% rise in burglary may reflect targeted vulnerabilities in newer developments. These trends highlight the need for adaptive safety strategies despite Swavesey’s overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Swavesey

For residents concerned about bicycle theft, use secure, locked storage facilities for bikes, especially near home. Given the 36% above-average rate, consider installing anti-theft devices like GPS trackers. For burglary, invest in smart home systems with motion sensors and outdoor lighting. The 21% above-average burglary rate suggests targeted homes may be vulnerable. Additionally, the 100% YoY rise in possession of weapons underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces, particularly during evening hours when such incidents are more likely.

Crime in Swavesey shows distinct patterns tied to daily rhythms. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), likely due to parked cars in poorly lit residential areas. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), coinciding with shopping hours and potentially unattended vehicles. Burglary is most common in the afternoon and evening, aligning with periods when homes are unoccupied. Interestingly, other crime (e.g. anti-social behaviour) peaks in the night, suggesting a link to late-night social gatherings in local pubs or community spaces. These trends reflect the interplay between Swavesey’s commuter culture and local amenities.

Compared to nearby areas, Swavesey’s crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 is 64% higher than Over (38.3 per 1,000), likely due to Over’s more rural character and lower population density. Conversely, Swavesey is only 1% higher than Fenstanton (62.5 per 1,000), suggesting similar urban challenges in both areas.

For Swavesey households, where bicycle theft is 36% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS’s AI-powered perimeter detection can identify loitering near bike storage areas and trigger automated lighting to deter thieves. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature also flags stolen or cloned plates near homes, a critical tool given the 50% YoY rise in vehicle crime. These features shift security from passive recording to active deterrence, addressing the specific risks faced by Swavesey residents.