The recent trend indicates an increase in crime within Cotherstone, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in County Durham. Specifically, the area has experienced a 33.3% year-on-year increase in crime. Understanding the potential drivers behind this rise requires examining the available data and considering the context of a small, close-knit community.
Cotherstone's crime rate currently stands at 46.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, the recent upward trend is a cause for concern. While the safety score for Cotherstone remains relatively high at 87 out of 100 (compared to a UK average of 79), the shift in the crime trend suggests underlying issues are beginning to surface.
Several factors could be contributing to this increase. Firstly, a smaller population (1453 residents) means that even a relatively small number of incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per capita. A few more reported crimes can dramatically alter the statistic. Secondly, changes in reporting practices – increased awareness or willingness to report incidents – could artificially inflate the numbers, although this is less likely to account for a 33.3% increase. Thirdly, socio-economic factors within the wider County Durham area could be having a localised impact on Cotherstone. While specific data on Cotherstone's socio-economic conditions are not provided, broader regional trends in unemployment, poverty, or social inequality could be playing a role.
Finally, changes in the demographics of Cotherstone itself could be a factor. An influx of new residents, or changes in the age profile of the population, could influence the types of crime experienced and reported. Without further investigation into the types of crime occurring, it is difficult to definitively attribute the increase to any single cause. It’s important to note that a high safety score does not negate the impact of an increasing crime trend; it simply indicates a generally positive perception of safety within the community.