Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Cottam (Preston)

Cottam (Preston) experiences an overall crime rate of 88.6 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure positions the area as safer compared to the UK national average of 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. With a safety score of 80 out of 100, Cottam (Preston) also ranks above the national average safety score of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Cottam (Preston) has been decreasing, showing a notable reduction of 9.5%. This section provides a detailed overview of the crime statistics, offering context and insights into the local safety landscape.

Crime Type Analysis in Cottam (Preston)

The crime landscape in Cottam (Preston) is predominantly shaped by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 208 incidents, representing 35.9% of all crimes at a rate of 31.8 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences is the second most common issue with 195 reported crimes (33.7%), followed by criminal damage and arson, totalling 38 incidents (6.6%). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for the community.

In terms of property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, Cottam (Preston) records a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 19 burglaries (2.9 per 1,000), 21 vehicle crimes (3.2 per 1,000), and 28 other thefts (4.3 per 1,000). Other property crimes include shoplifting (11 incidents), robbery (4 incidents), and theft from the person (1 incident). For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures is crucial for taking appropriate preventative measures to safeguard properties and belongings.

Crime Trends in Cottam (Preston)

The crime trends in Cottam (Preston) indicate a decreasing period over the last year, with a notable year-over-year reduction of 9.5%. Analysing the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates per 1,000 residents started at 7.0 in October 2024, showing a slight rise to 7.8 in December, then a sharp dip to 3.8 in February 2025. The rates then saw a gradual increase through spring and summer, reaching a peak of 10.0 in August 2025, before settling at 6.1 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a positive long-term trend, with overall crime reducing, which is good news for residents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Cottam (Preston)

Crime in Cottam (Preston) exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours, between 6am and 12pm, show a notable prevalence of theft, accounting for 38% of crimes, alongside "other" crime at 32% and vehicle crime at 16%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains high at 42%, with "other" crime at 29% and burglary increasing to 23%. The evening period, from 6pm to 12am, sees "other" crime become the most significant category at 51%, while theft drops to 15%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime rises significantly to 38%, and "other" crime is also high at 32%, indicating that properties are more vulnerable when residents are typically asleep. These patterns highlight the importance of being vigilant and adapting security measures according to the time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive regional context, it is helpful to compare Cottam (Preston) with its neighbouring areas. Cottam (Preston)'s overall crime rate of 88.6 per 1,000 residents is lower than the UK average. In comparison, areas such as Lea Town, Clifton (Fylde), Woodplumpton, and Fulwood offer different local crime profiles. While specific data for these areas would provide a direct comparison, understanding that Cottam (Preston) sits below the national average suggests a relatively better safety standing within the broader region. This comparison helps residents and those considering moving to the area to gauge its relative safety within the local vicinity.

Proactive Protection for Your Home

Considering Cottam (Preston)'s property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average, proactive home security is a sensible consideration. Traditional security cameras often only record incidents after they've occurred, providing footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. However, if you are seeking real protection, an AI-powered system like scOS offers a different approach.

scOS is designed for proactive crime prevention, detecting threats at your property boundary before a break-in can even happen. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you after the fact, scOS intervenes in real-time through multi-camera intelligence, watching all cameras simultaneously. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous response capabilities that activate lights and engage speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise, making burglars decide within 60 seconds to move on, rather than becoming another crime statistic. This professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, going beyond reactive recording to actively deter potential intruders.