Cambridgeshire has highest rate of business crime in England

Freedom of Information figures show the county recorded 19,918 crimes against businesses in 2025 — equivalent to 2,804 offences per 100,000 residents, the highest of any police force area analysed.

The figures, compiled by Capital on Tap alongside a survey of 500 business owners, place Cambridgeshire above Nottinghamshire (2,403 per 100,000 people) and Bedfordshire (2,171), with Lincolnshire and Dorset also featuring among the worst-affected areas.

The data suggests that rural and semi-rural counties are experiencing disproportionately high levels of business crime, challenging the assumption that offences are concentrated in major urban centres.

Cambridgeshire has the highest rate of business crime in England according to figures. (Image: Capital on Tap)

Across the UK, almost half (45%) of businesses said they had been a victim of physical crime. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of owners believe crime is getting worse, while seven in ten fear their own business could be targeted.

The most common offences are theft-related, with 59% of affected businesses reporting incidents such as shoplifting, burglary or stolen stock. Attempted break-ins (52%), property damage (51%) and vandalism (50%) are also widespread.

Retailers are particularly exposed. Among those that have experienced crime, 94% reported theft — reflecting the risks of customer-facing premises and openly displayed goods.

Construction, engineering and manufacturing firms also report high levels of theft (83%), often linked to the value of tools and machinery.

Other sectors face different risks. Accountancy and finance firms are the most likely to report attempted break-ins (71%), while transport businesses also see high rates, often due to valuable vehicles and equipment.

While Cambridgeshire tops the list, several neighbouring or comparable areas also rank highly.

Lincolnshire recorded 1,966 crimes per 100,000 residents, while Hertfordshire saw 1,238. Further north, South Yorkshire (1,147) and Derbyshire (1,088) also appear in the top ten, alongside North Yorkshire and Staffordshire.

Despite lower overall volumes, counties such as Dorset (1,816) highlight how smaller or more rural areas can still face significant rates once population is taken into account.

For businesses, the impact is not just immediate but ongoing. The average financial cost of a crime is £2,886, rising to more than £3,400 in retail and £3,500 in the transport sector.

Recovery can also be slow. On average, businesses take just over 18 days to fully recover from an incident, with some sectors — including health and social care — facing disruption lasting more than a month.

Many firms are now investing heavily in security. Around 64% have installed or upgraded CCTV, while nearly half have added alarms, shutters or staff training. However, these measures come at a cost, diverting money away from growth and investment.

Rebecca Alford, chief financial officer at Capital on Tap, said preparation is key to limiting the damage.

She said: “While no business can eliminate the risk of crime entirely, being financially prepared can make it much easier to recover when the unexpected happens.

“Making sure insurance reflects the true value of your business, having emergency funds available and investing in preventative security can all help businesses respond quickly, minimise disruption and protect day-to-day cash flow.”

The findings underline the scale of the challenge facing firms in Cambridgeshire and beyond — with crime now seen as a growing and costly pressure alongside inflation and rising operating costs.