Waterbeach Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Waterbeach

Waterbeach, a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, records an overall crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Waterbeach as a relatively safe community when compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a good safety score of 87 out of 100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78, indicating a generally secure environment for its 5,344 residents. However, recent trends show a significant increasing trajectory, with a 22.7% rise in crime year-on-year. This upward shift warrants closer examination of the specific crime types and patterns to provide a comprehensive understanding of safety in Waterbeach.

Crime Type Analysis in Waterbeach

In Waterbeach, the dominant crime types are Violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.5% of all reported crimes with 110 incidents (20.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, representing 16.4% of crimes with 47 incidents (8.8 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most common crime, contributing 11.2% of the total with 32 incidents (6.0 per 1,000).

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Waterbeach experiences a rate of 18.5 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific property crime figures include 20 incidents of other theft (3.7 per 1,000), 19 vehicle crimes (3.6 per 1,000), and 8 burglaries (1.5 per 1,000). For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of securing personal property, particularly vehicles, and being aware of home security, given the prevalence of criminal damage and arson.

Crime Trends in Waterbeach

Waterbeach has experienced a significant increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable rise of 22.7% year-on-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout this period. The rate started at 3.0 in October 2024, saw a peak of 4.9 in November, then dipped to 3.7 in December. After a further dip to 2.3 in April 2025, it trended sharply upwards, reaching a high of 6.6 in July, before ending at 5.8 in September 2025.

This fluctuating but overall significant increasing trend suggests that while there isn't a consistent month-on-month rise, the cumulative effect over the year has been a substantial increase in crime. Residents should be aware of this upward trajectory and consider how it might impact their personal and property security. The significant peaks in mid-2025 suggest periods of heightened activity that residents should be particularly mindful of.

Crime Time Patterns in Waterbeach

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Waterbeach reveals distinct shifts in activity. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 40% of crimes, followed by 'Other' crimes at 34%. Vehicle crime also represents a significant 19% 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 46%, with 'Other' crimes also high at 34%, potentially linked to increased commercial activity. Burglary sees a slight increase to 13% during the afternoon.

The evening period (6pm-12am) experiences a notable shift, with 'Other' crimes becoming dominant at 52%, indicating a broader range of incidents beyond specific property crimes. Vehicle crime remains a concern at 19%, while theft drops to 18%. Night-time (12am-6am) sees vehicle crime surge to 44%, making it the most significant threat, likely when vehicles are left unattended. 'Other' crimes account for 36% during this period, and burglary represents 12%. These patterns highlight specific times when residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their property and vehicles.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context for Waterbeach's crime statistics, it's helpful to compare it with neighbouring built-up areas. Landbeach, Milton (South Cambridgeshire), Horningsea, and Cottenham are all in proximity and offer valuable comparisons. Waterbeach's overall crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000, and a property crime rate of 18.5 per 1,000, can be benchmarked against these communities. Generally, smaller, more rural settlements like Horningsea might exhibit lower crime figures. Milton (South Cambridgeshire) might have a higher rate due to its characteristics. This comparison helps residents understand Waterbeach's position within the local safety landscape, highlighting its relative security despite the recent increasing trend.

Protecting Your Property in Waterbeach

With Waterbeach's property crime rate at 18.5 per 1,000 residents and a significant increasing overall crime trend, robust home security is a significant consideration. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV cameras or DIY systems, are often reactive, merely recording incidents after they occur. This means you get footage of your burglary, but not the prevention of it. For true peace of mind, prevention is paramount.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a superior level of proactive protection. Instead of simply documenting, 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 Waterbeach residents, investing in such professional-grade security reinforces the area's safety and ensures your property remains secure against potential property crimes, shifting the focus from reaction to active prevention.