Cam Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a notable shift in Cam’s crime profile, with violent crimes emerging as the dominant category, accounting for 68.2% of all reported incidents. At 5.2 per 1,000 residents, Cam’s overall crime rate remains 27.8% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a testament to the area’s generally low-crime environment. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences—30 cases in total—raises concerns, particularly as these incidents are 34% above the UK average for this category. The seasonal context of December, with its long nights, holiday gatherings, and increased retail activity, likely contributes to this trend. Cam, a built-up area within Stroud, is characterized by its proximity to urban centres and its role as a commuter hub, factors that may influence both the frequency and nature of crime. For instance, the high number of violent offences could be linked to the area’s social dynamics during the festive season, when bars and community spaces see increased use. Meanwhile, property crimes, though low at 5 incidents (11.4% of the total), remained below the UK average for burglary and vehicle crime, suggesting that Cam’s residential and commercial areas are relatively secure. The seasonal lull in some categories, such as criminal damage and arson, which dropped by two-thirds compared to November, aligns with the reduced outdoor activity typical of the winter months. Residents should remain vigilant, especially in public spaces and during late-night hours, as the combination of darkness and holiday-related foot traffic may create conditions conducive to certain types of crime. The data also highlights the need for continued investment in community policing and targeted interventions to address the specific risks posed by the area’s demographic and geographic profile.

December 2023 saw significant increases in specific crime categories, including a 100% rise in other theft, possession of weapons, and burglary, all of which were previously unreported in November. These jumps, though small in absolute terms, indicate emerging trends that may warrant closer attention. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson dropped by 66.7%, and vehicle crime fell by the same proportion, likely reflecting reduced outdoor activity during the holiday season. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark contrast between Cam and the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Cam are 34% higher than the national rate, despite the area’s overall safety. This discrepancy suggests that local factors—such as the proximity of Cam to Stroud’s town centre or its role as a commuter hub—may amplify certain types of crime. Residents should be particularly alert to the sharp rise in other theft, which now accounts for 4.6% of all crimes reported in December, a figure that could signal increased vulnerability in public spaces.

Cam's crime rate in December 2023 rose 15.7% compared to November, reaching 5.2 per 1,000 residents from 4.5 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects shifts in crime patterns during the festive season. On average, one crime was reported per day in December, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity even in a low-crime area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 194 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the UK average, highlights the need for vigilance during periods of heightened social activity. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cam remains significantly safer than the national average, with its crime rate 27.8% below the UK’s 7.2 per 1,000. However, the seasonal context—dark evenings, empty homes over holidays, and increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping—may contribute to the uptick in certain offences. Residents should remain cautious, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late-night hours, as these conditions can create opportunities for opportunistic crimes.