Cottingham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Cottingham’s crime profile was dominated by shoplifting, which accounted for 24.4% of all reported incidents—nearly double the rate of the UK average. This category, at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, highlights the influence of retail environments in the built-up area, where unattended displays or high foot traffic may create opportunities for theft. The overall crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents places Cottingham 20% below the UK average of 7.5, a consistent position that suggests the area’s relatively low crime levels are maintained through a combination of local policing strategies, community engagement, or demographic factors. Property crimes, which made up 61.5% of all incidents (48 out of 78), were led by shoplifting, followed by criminal damage and arson. This emphasis on property-related offences contrasts with the lower prevalence of violent crimes, which accounted for 24.4% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.5 per 1,000, were 42% below the UK average, a pattern that may reflect Cottingham’s character as a smaller, more tightly knit community where social cohesion could contribute to lower levels of violent crime. Seasonal factors in November—such as the onset of dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping—likely amplified shoplifting and criminal damage incidents, which saw significant increases compared to October. These patterns illustrate the interplay between local conditions and broader seasonal trends, where the timing of events can temporarily skew crime statistics. The data also reveals a stark contrast between Cottingham and the UK average for certain categories, such as shoplifting, which underscores the importance of tailoring crime prevention efforts to the specific needs of the area. While the overall rate remains below the national benchmark, the dramatic rise in shoplifting serves as a reminder that targeted interventions—such as improved retail security measures or community awareness campaigns—may be necessary to address this emerging trend.

November 2023 saw a dramatic surge in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 2 to 19—an 850% increase. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in criminal damage and arson, points to a shift in crime patterns that may be linked to seasonal factors such as Black Friday shopping and Bonfire Night. Conversely, burglary fell by 60%, aligning with a broader trend of reduced property crimes in the area. Shoplifting in Cottingham is 173% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggesting a unique local dynamic that could be tied to the presence of retail outlets or unattended displays. Violence and sexual offences also declined by 26.9%, though they remain 42% below the UK average, indicating a generally lower prevalence of violent crime compared to the national picture. These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of crime drivers in a built-up area, where retail-focused offences may dominate over other categories.

Cottingham's crime rate in November 2023 rose by 23.7% compared to the previous month, climbing from 4.8 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still leaves the area 20% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to approximately 3 crimes reported each day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a metric that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the national context. With a population of 13,110, the monthly exposure rate underscores that most residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis. The shift from October to November may reflect seasonal factors, such as the start of Black Friday shopping, which could temporarily elevate retail-related offences. However, the overall trend remains consistent with Cottingham’s position as a built-up area with lower-than-average crime levels, suggesting that local factors—such as community policing or demographic characteristics—likely play a role in maintaining this profile.