Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate

Cottam (Preston) is a notably safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 86.9 per 1,000 residents, which sits comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7. This is further supported by an impressive safety score of 81/100, surpassing the UK average of 79. Perhaps most encouragingly, the area is seeing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with a 12.9% decrease in crime year-over-year. Monthly data shows that after a low point in February 2025, crime rates have remained relatively controlled. This profile makes Cottam one of the more desirable and secure locations within the Preston local authority. The following sections provide a deeper look at local crime patterns and safety advice.

In Cottam (Preston), anti-social behaviour is the most frequent crime, representing 35.7% of all reports (31.1 per 1,000 residents). This is followed closely by violence and sexual offences at 34.9%. Criminal damage and arson make up the third largest category at 7.0%. Together, these types account for the vast majority of local police reports.

When considering property-related crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate in Cottam is relatively low at 18.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly better than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. While burglary only accounts for 3.4% of total crime, the combined property crime figures suggest that while the area is generally safe, opportunist offences still occur. Residents should remain mindful of vehicle security and criminal damage, which are more prevalent than residential break-ins.

Cottam is experiencing a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a 12.9% decrease in total offences year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 shows a generally stable or declining pattern. After starting the period at 7.8 per 1,000 in December 2024, the rate dropped to a significant low of 3.8 in February 2025. While there was a seasonal increase during the summer months—peaking at 10.0 in August—the rate quickly subsided back to 6.0 by November 2025. This overall reduction suggests that local safety initiatives or policing strategies are proving effective. For residents, this downward trend is a reassuring sign of a maturing and increasingly secure community.

How To Keep Safe in Cottam (Preston)

Anti-social behaviour is the leading crime type in Cottam, representing over 35% of all recorded incidents. To protect yourself and your property, consider these practical safety tips:

1. Maintain clear lines of sight around your property by keeping hedges and shrubs trimmed; this removes hiding spots for those engaging in anti-social acts or criminal damage.
2. Ensure all external lighting is in good working order, ideally using motion-sensitive LEDs to illuminate dark corners of your garden and driveway.
3. Participate in local community social media groups or Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about recent incidents and report suspicious loitering to the police.
4. Secure any side gates or garden access points with high-quality locks to prevent unauthorised entry to the rear of your home.
5. If you own a vehicle, ensure it is parked in a well-lit area and that no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime often coincides with anti-social behaviour in the evenings.

In Cottam, crime activity follows a clear temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent concern, making up 43% and 45% of crimes respectively. This likely relates to daytime activity in residential and commercial spaces. As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, with the 'other' category rising to 52% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 32% of all offences during these hours, alongside a high percentage of burglaries (24%). This indicates that while daytime risks are largely theft-related, the night brings a higher risk to property and vehicles.

In the local context, Cottam compares favourably to its neighbours. Its crime rate of 86.9 is lower than that of Fulwood (87.6) and significantly lower than Rural Preston (132.4) and Broughton (121.8). While it cannot match the zero-crime statistics of rural hamlets like Lea Town or Woodplumpton, it offers a high level of security for an urban area. It is also safer than Clifton in Fylde, which has a rate of 76.2 but a different demographic profile. This makes Cottam a strong choice for those seeking an urban lifestyle with a statistically lower risk of crime compared to the wider Preston region.

Cottam's relatively low property crime rate of 18.1 per 1,000 residents is a positive sign for homeowners, but it shouldn't lead to complacency. Most crimes in the area, such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, are opportunist. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive—they provide you with a video of the incident after it has happened. In an area like Cottam, where the goal is to maintain the high safety score, proactive prevention is a better strategy.

Implementing scOS provides an AI-powered layer of protection that works to stop crime before it starts. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential threat at your property line. The system's ability to verify vehicles and learn your family's routines means it only alerts you to genuine concerns. Most importantly, its autonomous response—using lights and sound to deter intruders—destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. Choosing a proactive system like scOS ensures that your property remains a hard target, contributing to the overall safety of the Cottam community.