Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw an unexpected surge in violence and sexual offences in Cottam (Preston), rising sharply by 53.3% compared to November. This spike contrasts with the area’s overall crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents, which remains 11.1% below the UK average of 7.2. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (23 cases, 54.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (9 cases, 21.4%) and criminal damage and arson (3 cases, 7.1%). Seasonal factors likely contributed to these patterns, with dark evenings and holiday-related disruptions potentially amplifying tensions in the built-up area. While property crimes were relatively low (6 cases, 14.3% of total), the significant rise in violent crime raises questions about local dynamics during the festive period. Anti-social behaviour, though a major category, remained 51% above the UK average, suggesting unique challenges in this part of Preston. The data also highlights a notable drop in shoplifting and vehicle crime, which fell by 75% each, possibly linked to holiday-related retail closures or reduced foot traffic. However, the sharp increase in possession of weapons (from 0 to 1 case, a 100% rise) underscores a concerning shift in criminal activity that warrants further scrutiny. Cottam’s crime profile, while generally safer than the UK average, reveals pockets of vulnerability that may require targeted interventions during peak seasonal periods.

December 2023 brought stark contrasts in crime trends for Cottam (Preston). Violence and sexual offences surged by 53.3%, climbing from 15 to 23 cases—a jump that outpaced other categories. This rise, combined with a 100% increase in public order offences (from 0 to 3) and possession of weapons (from 0 to 1), illustrates heightened tensions in the area. These violent crimes were 34% above the UK average for the category, suggesting local factors may be exacerbating the issue. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime both dropped by 75%, possibly due to reduced retail activity or holiday closures. Anti-social behaviour also decreased slightly by 10%, though it remained 51% above the UK average, indicating persistent challenges in managing community disturbances. The sharp rise in weapons possession, though a single incident, highlights a worrying trend that may reflect broader patterns of escalation during festive periods. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the need for vigilance in areas where violence and public order issues have intensified, despite the overall crime rate remaining below the UK average.

Cottam (Preston)’s crime rate in December 2023 rose by 7.7% compared to November’s 6.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend despite remaining 11.1% below the UK average. This means that, over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 156 residents—a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in specific areas. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 1 crime per day, a rate that is consistent with seasonal patterns observed in built-up areas during the holiday period. The population context is critical: with 6,533 residents, even small increases in violent crime can have a disproportionate impact on community safety. For instance, the 23 reported cases of violence and sexual offences in December equate to roughly 0.35 incidents per resident, a rate that, while modest, highlights the need for targeted measures in high-risk areas. Comparing this to the previous month, the 7.7% rise in overall crime rate underscores the volatility of crime patterns in Cottam, particularly during December’s extended dark hours and potential disruptions from holiday-related activities. These figures, when viewed alongside the UK average, illustrate both the area’s relative safety and the specific challenges it faces in managing spikes in violent and disorderly conduct.