Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2024, Cottam (Preston) maintained a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents, 13.6% below the UK average. This figure translates to a daily risk of roughly one crime per day, or one reported incident for every 142 residents over the course of the month. The area’s crime profile was dominated by anti-social behaviour (41.3% of all crimes), followed by violence and sexual offences (30.4%) and public order incidents (10.9%). These patterns align with the built-up nature of the area, where community interactions and local events may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors, such as the return to darker evenings and Halloween, may have influenced the surge in public order offences, which rose by 150% compared to September. Meanwhile, shoplifting and other thefts showed mixed trends, with shoplifting increasing by 100% but other thefts rising by 50%, suggesting a combination of retail activity and local security measures. The relatively low violent crime rate—21% below the UK average—may reflect the area’s quieter, more residential character compared to larger urban centres. However, the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour, which is 125% above the UK average, highlights a pressing concern for local authorities and residents alike. This data underscores the importance of community engagement and targeted interventions to address rising incidents of anti-social conduct, while maintaining the positive trends in other crime categories.

October 2024 marked significant shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 cases), likely linked to Halloween activities and darker evenings. Shoplifting also rose by 100%, possibly reflecting increased retail footfall during the month. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, suggesting a reduction in opportunities for theft in car parks or residential areas. Anti-social behaviour, though still the most common category (41.3% of all crimes), decreased by 29.6% from 27 to 19 incidents, potentially indicating the impact of local initiatives or seasonal changes in community activity. Violence and sexual offences remained 21% below the UK average, a contrast to the 125% spike in anti-social behaviour, which exceeds the national rate by a wide margin. These fluctuations offer residents a snapshot of how crime evolves, with some categories showing marked improvement while others demand closer attention.

In October 2024, Cottam (Preston) saw a 20.7% drop in its crime rate compared to the previous month, falling from 8.9 to 7.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as October’s shorter evenings and the transition from autumn to winter may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while low, remains a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 142 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 6,533, the area’s crime statistics reflect a balance between community engagement and localized challenges, such as the 125% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average. These figures provide a nuanced picture of safety, illustrating how even modest changes in crime rates can shape residents’ perceptions of security.