Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 6,533 residents, 49 crimes were reported in November 2024, translating to a crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 people. This places Cottam (Preston) 1.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a marginal but consistent difference. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.8% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (28.6%), and criminal damage and arson (6.1%). These patterns align with seasonal factors: the late autumn period, marked by Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, may contribute to spikes in violent crime and anti-social behaviour. The relatively low property crime rate (23.5% of total) contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. This suggests that Cottam’s built-up area within Preston may have different dynamics compared to more suburban or rural regions, where property crime is more common. The modest increase in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average could reflect localised pressures, such as the proximity to Preston’s larger urban centre, which might amplify incidents during high-traffic periods. However, the overall rate remains stable, indicating no major spikes in criminal activity.

November 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 26.3% compared to the previous month, dropping from 19 to 14 incidents, though it remains 89% above the UK average. This decline may be linked to the end of term-time activities or targeted policing efforts during the month. Conversely, three categories saw 100% increases: possession of weapons, robbery, and other crime, all rising from zero to one incident. These jumps, while small in absolute terms, signal emerging concerns, particularly in weapon possession, which is 233% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, were 12% higher than the UK average, potentially influenced by the concentrated nature of Cottam’s built-up area and the impact of seasonal events like Bonfire Night. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell 28% below the UK average, due to lower foot traffic during November compared to peak retail months. The data also reveals that criminal damage and arson were 12% below the UK average, a contrast to the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, which may indicate shifting patterns in community tensions.

The crime rate in November 2024 (7.5 per 1,000) marks a 6.5% increase from October’s rate of 7.0 per 1,000, reflecting a modest upward trend. Over the 30-day period, this translates to roughly two crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. On a monthly basis, one reported crime occurred for every 133 residents, a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. While the overall rate remains slightly below the UK average, the disparity in specific categories is stark: anti-social behaviour and violence are elevated, whereas shoplifting and burglary are below national levels. This contrast highlights how Cottam’s built-up area, nestled within Preston’s broader urban fabric, experiences unique pressures. For instance, the high rate of anti-social behaviour may be exacerbated by the area’s proximity to Preston’s town centre, where transient populations and high foot traffic could contribute to such incidents. Conversely, the lower burglary rate might suggest that local property security measures or demographic factors, such as a more stable residential population, are effective in deterring such crimes. These comparisons offer a nuanced picture of Cottam’s crime profile, balancing localised trends against broader national benchmarks.