Cottingham Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cottingham's crime profile in September 2024 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, shaped by local characteristics and seasonal rhythms. With a total crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents—40.3% below the UK average—the area demonstrates a marked contrast to national trends. The most prevalent crimes were shoplifting (28.3% of all offences), violence and sexual offences (26.7%), and bicycle theft (10.0%). This mix suggests a combination of retail-centric activity and a smaller-scale but persistent issue with property crime. Shoplifting, in particular, stands out as 91% above the UK average (0.7 per 1,000), potentially linked to the area’s commercial presence and the seasonal return of students and shoppers during September. Conversely, violent crime in Cottingham was 54% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a pattern consistent with the built-up area’s likely lower population density and fewer concentrated nightlife venues compared to larger urban centres. Bicycle theft, though less frequent nationally, was 456% above the UK average (0.1 per 1,000), possibly reflecting the area’s cycling infrastructure and the seasonal influx of students at local educational institutions. The crime profile aligns with a small town where retail and educational hubs coexist, creating unique dynamics that influence both property and personal safety concerns. September’s timing, with the start of the academic year, may also contribute to increased shoplifting as students return to campus and local businesses reopen for the term.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in Cottingham’s crime patterns, with increases in robbery, bicycle theft, and other crime, alongside significant declines in burglary and public order offences. Robbery and other crime both rose by 100% from zero to one incident each, suggesting isolated but impactful events. Bicycle theft also surged by 100%, jumping from three to six offences, potentially linked to the return of students and the start of the academic year. In contrast, burglary dropped by 75% (from eight to two incidents), possibly due to heightened community vigilance or seasonal factors such as shorter evenings reducing opportunities for break-ins. Public order offences decreased by 60% (from 10 to four), a trend consistent with the transition into autumn, when social gatherings may become more subdued. Cottingham’s violent crime rate (1.2 per 1,000) was 54% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a stark contrast to the 91% above average for shoplifting. This disparity highlights the area’s unique mix of low-level property crime and relatively safe streets, shaped by its built-up but low-density character. For residents, the 100% increase in robbery—a rare but significant change—may warrant attention to personal safety during evenings or in less trafficked areas.

Cottingham’s crime rate in September 2024 (4.6 per 1,000) marked a 39.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.6 per 1,000, reflecting a notable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day over the month, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in specific contexts. Monthly exposure to crime in Cottingham was 1 in every 219 residents, a statistic that provides a tangible sense of risk for locals. With a population of 13,110, this rate suggests that the majority of residents are unlikely to experience crime directly, though the concentrated nature of certain offences—such as shoplifting and bicycle theft—may affect specific communities more acutely. The sharp decline from August to September aligns with seasonal patterns, as the return to routine after summer holidays and the onset of autumn likely reduced transient-related crimes. However, the persistent gap between Cottingham’s crime rate and the UK average (7.7 per 1,000) highlights the area’s overall safety, even as targeted issues like shoplifting remain elevated. This comparison illustrates how Cottingham’s built-up yet low-density character contributes to a crime profile that is both distinct and relatively benign compared to larger urban areas.