Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cottam (Preston) recorded a crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 in August 2025, placing it 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate, while concerning, reflects the combination of local factors and broader national trends. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 36.9% of all reported incidents — a figure 153% higher than the UK average. Violence and sexual offences followed at 27.7%, slightly below the UK average, while vehicle crime at 13.9% was 259% above the national benchmark. These patterns suggest that community dynamics, such as the presence of transient populations or seasonal activities, may contribute to the elevated levels of anti-social and vehicle-related crimes. August, as a peak holiday month, likely exacerbated these trends through increased tourism and the temporary absence of residents from their homes, potentially creating opportunities for certain types of crime. The data also highlights a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes (including vehicle crime) making up a larger share of the total compared to violent crimes. This could indicate that local priorities for policing and community engagement should adapt to address the specific challenges of a built-up area within a larger urban centre. The seasonal context of August — a time of heightened activity and movement — may also explain the surge in public order offences, though further analysis would be required to confirm this hypothesis. Overall, the figures present a mixed picture of local crime dynamics, with some areas of improvement and others requiring urgent attention.

August 2025 marked a significant rise in public order offences, surging by 300% to four incidents — a stark contrast to the single report in July. This spike may reflect increased social activity during the summer holiday season. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 50% to one incident, a decline that could signal improved retail security measures or a temporary shift in criminal behaviour. Anti-social behaviour, the most common crime type, dropped by 14.3% to 24 incidents, though it remains 153% above the UK average of 1.5 per 1,000. Vehicle crime also saw a dramatic increase, doubling to nine incidents — a 259% jump above the UK average. This could be linked to the area's proximity to major roads or increased vehicle movements during peak holiday periods. Robbery, which rose from zero to one incident, highlights a worrying trend in personal safety concerns. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the need for adaptive policing strategies.

Cottam (Preston) saw an 8.4% increase in its overall crime rate from 9.2 per 1,000 in July 2025 to 10.0 per 1,000 in August, marking a continued upward trend. This rise aligns with broader patterns observed in similar built-up areas during summer months, when population movements and seasonal activities may influence local crime dynamics. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of two reported incidents per day in August, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the concentrated nature of crime in specific locations within the area. Over the course of the month, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-101 residents highlights the frequency of crime relative to the local population. This figure, though not directly comparable to national averages, underscores the importance of localized policing and community engagement strategies. The population context further emphasizes that even small shifts in crime rates can have measurable impacts on residents' perceptions of safety. With 6,533 residents, the area's relatively compact size means that crime incidents are often concentrated in particular neighbourhoods or streets, necessitating targeted interventions.