Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Cottam (Preston) recorded a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure translates to a risk of one reported crime for every 148 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that provides a tangible sense of everyday exposure. The area’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.5% of all crimes reported, a category that remains 15% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the area’s social fabric or specific vulnerabilities. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 27.3% of total crimes, though this category saw a notable 53.8% decrease from September, possibly linked to the transition into autumn and reduced social gatherings. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the approach of Halloween, and the end of the school term—may have influenced crime patterns, with shoplifting and vehicle crime rising sharply. However, property crimes such as public order offences and criminal damage were below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts or environmental factors may be mitigating certain types of crime. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) could be attributed to the area’s built-up nature and limited commuter traffic, though the 100% increase in such incidents in October raises questions about potential changes in local activity or policing focus. This data underscores the importance of contextualising crime rates within both national benchmarks and the specific rhythms of the area, ensuring that residents and authorities alike understand the nuances of risk and response.

October 2023 saw a 200% increase in shoplifting, rising from one to three incidents, alongside a 100% rise in both vehicle crime and bicycle theft. These sharp increases may reflect seasonal factors, such as Halloween-related activity or changes in foot traffic. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 53.8%, a significant decrease that could indicate the effectiveness of local initiatives or a shift in community behaviour. Violence and sexual offences remain 15% above the UK average, with 20 incidents reported—nearly half of all crimes in the area. This category’s prominence contrasts with the UK’s average, suggesting localised challenges that may require targeted policing or community engagement. Meanwhile, public order and criminal damage crimes were below the UK average, though their relatively low numbers may be attributed to the area’s smaller population and specific demographic profile.

Cottam (Preston) saw a 30.1% drop in its crime rate from 9.6 per 1,000 in September to 6.7 per 1,000 in October 2023, marking a significant improvement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 148 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day, a rate that remains consistent with the area’s historical patterns. This localised perspective highlights that while the overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, the daily impact on residents is tangible. The population-scaled view reveals that the area’s crime rate, though relatively low, still necessitates vigilance, particularly in areas where specific crime types—such as violence and sexual offences—remain elevated compared to national benchmarks. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 53.8% suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal factors may have contributed to this change, though further analysis would be needed to confirm the exact drivers.