Cotton End Crime Rate

Cotton End presents a favourable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 60.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 86/100, positioning the area well above the national average of 79/100. Recently, the crime trend in Cotton End has been classified as stable, showing a minor year-over-year increase of 3.7%. This consistency suggests a predictable and secure environment for residents. The following data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, provides a detailed look at the local crime landscape, helping residents and prospective movers understand the specific safety dynamics of this Bedfordshire settlement.

In Cotton End, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.6% of all recorded incidents (22.8 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent category at 20.6%, followed by burglary and public order offences, which both sit at 9.2%.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is significantly lower than the UK average for property offences, the presence of burglary as a top-three crime type suggests that residential security remains a relevant concern. Homeowners should note that while overall volume is low, the impact of these specific property crimes can be significant for those affected. Residents are encouraged to maintain vigilance regarding home and vehicle security to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Cotton End is currently stable, with a modest year-over-year increase of 3.7%. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The highest intensity was recorded in August 2025, reaching a peak of 9.9 crimes per 1,000 people, followed by September at 6.5. Conversely, the safest month was June 2025, which saw a significant dip to just 2.2 crimes per 1,000. These fluctuations are common in smaller populations where a handful of incidents can noticeably impact the monthly rate. For residents, the stable annual trend suggests that while some months may feel busier, the overall safety of the area is not undergoing any drastic negative changes.

How To Keep Safe in Cotton End

The most prevalent crime type in Cotton End is violence and sexual offences. While this category is broad, it highlights the importance of personal safety and community awareness.

1. Maintain awareness of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
2. Foster a 'neighbourhood watch' mentality by staying in touch with neighbours. Reporting unusual activity or suspicious individuals to the local police can help prevent incidents before they escalate.
3. If you find yourself in a confrontational situation in public, prioritise de-escalation and move towards a populated area or a place of safety as quickly as possible.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit. Motion-activated lighting can deter unwanted visitors and make you feel more secure when arriving home after dark.
5. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible when out, and consider using safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.

Crime in Cotton End displays distinct temporal patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most frequent issue, accounting for 43% and 45% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes occur more often while people are active or away from their homes. As the day transitions into the evening, burglary becomes more prominent, representing 32% of crimes in that period. Interestingly, vehicle crime peaks during the night-time hours, making up 36% of all recorded incidents between midnight and 6am. These patterns indicate that while the area is generally quiet, property and vehicle security are most at risk during the transition from day to night and in the early hours of the morning.

When examining the local region, Cotton End sits in a varied landscape of safety. It is notably safer than Shortstown, which experiences a much higher crime rate of 94.0 per 1,000 people. However, it does have a higher frequency of incidents compared to Wilstead (32.8 per 1,000) and Haynes (32.4 per 1,000). For those seeking the lowest possible crime figures in the immediate vicinity, Cardington reports a rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Despite these local variations, Cotton End remains a secure choice for the region, maintaining a crime rate that is substantially lower than the UK national benchmark.

With a property crime rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people, Cotton End residents face a lower risk than many, yet the presence of burglary in the top three crime types necessitates a serious approach to home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarm kits, are often reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For homeowners in Cotton End, the objective should be prevention.

The scOS artificial intelligence system offers a proactive alternative by monitoring your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike standard cameras, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before a break-in occurs. If an unauthorised individual enters your property perimeter, the system can autonomously activate lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where the property crime rate is relatively low, a visible, professional-grade AI system like scOS serves as a powerful deterrent, often convincing opportunistic offenders to move on to easier targets. Protecting your home is about stopping the crime from happening, not just recording it.