Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cottam (Preston) experienced a sharp rise in crime during September 2023, with a total rate of 9.6 crimes per 1,000 residents—20% above the UK average of 8.0. The data reveals a concerning concentration of anti-social behaviour (41.3% of all crimes) and violence and sexual offences (33.3%), both of which significantly outpace national averages. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, surged to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, nearly four times the UK rate of 1.3. This spike may be linked to the area's seasonal dynamics, as September marks the return to school and university term time, potentially increasing social tensions and late-night activity. The prevalence of violent crimes, which accounted for 33.3% of all incidents, suggests a need for enhanced community policing in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, burglary—though a smaller proportion of total crimes—rose to 0.9 per 1,000, 181% above the UK average, indicating vulnerabilities in local property security. These patterns are consistent with the characteristics of a built-up area within a larger urban centre like Preston, where population density and transient populations can contribute to higher crime rates. The seasonal context of September, with nights drawing in and the start of academic terms, may further exacerbate issues related to anti-social behaviour and public order, as younger populations become more active in the evenings. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour is concentrated, as this often precedes more serious violent incidents.

September 2023 saw alarming increases in specific crime categories, including a 100% rise in other theft, burglary, and other crime compared to August. These spikes, coupled with anti-social behaviour remaining 199% above the UK average, signal a troubling shift in the local crime profile. The breakdown reveals that 41.3% of all crimes were anti-social behaviour, a category that likely contributes to the area's elevated violence rates (33.3% of total crimes). Shoplifting fell by 50%, but this decline is offset by the dramatic rise in burglary, which jumped from zero to six incidents. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas where anti-social behaviour is concentrated, as this category often precedes more serious violent offences. The 181% increase in burglary compared to the UK average suggests vulnerabilities in local property security that warrant attention.

Cottam (Preston)'s crime rate in September 2023 rose to 9.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 36.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.0. This upward trend suggests a growing need for vigilance among residents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day over the month, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 104 residents. While this figure may seem abstract, it underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population of 6,533. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the area's crime burden is higher than the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and violent crimes driving the disparity. This comparison highlights the urgency of addressing local factors contributing to the rise in reported incidents, particularly in light of seasonal transitions affecting community dynamics.