Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

January 2025 saw Cottam (Preston) maintain a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.8% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a consistent pattern of lower-than-average crime in the area, though the nature of incidents remains distinct. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 42.2% of total reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.7%) and burglary (6.7%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter days—may partly explain the lower overall crime rate compared to months with higher outdoor activity. However, the prominence of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence typically constitutes a smaller share of incidents. This divergence could be attributed to local factors such as the built-up area’s proximity to Preston’s urban core, which may see higher concentrations of social interactions and potential conflicts. The relatively low burglary rate (0.5 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) is notable, though it remains an area of concern given the 200% month-on-month increase in reported cases. These figures underscore the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies to address specific vulnerabilities while maintaining the area’s overall safety relative to national benchmarks.

The month-on-month analysis reveals stark shifts in crime trends, with burglary surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and robbery doubling (from 0 to 1). This increase in property-related crimes contrasts with an 80% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from 5 to 1. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 25%, aligning with a broader reduction in public order incidents. However, the area’s violence and sexual offences rate (2.9 per 1,000) remains 16% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.8 per 1,000, is 84% higher than the UK average, suggesting localized pressures that may stem from the built-up area’s density and social dynamics. Criminal damage and arson (0.5 per 1,000) are 2% below the UK average, potentially reflecting effective community policing or reduced opportunities for such crimes during colder months. These findings illustrate a combination of factors, with property crime spikes linked to seasonal transitions and increased indoor gatherings, while reductions in vehicle crime may relate to fewer daylight hours and reduced parking activity. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly around reported burglary hotspots, while local authorities may consider reinforcing anti-social behaviour interventions in high-traffic areas.

Cottam (Preston)’s crime rate in January 2025 (6.9 per 1,000) represents an 11.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.8 per 1,000, marking a clear downward trend. This reduction is evident even when considering daily crime patterns: with 45 total crimes reported over 31 days, the area experienced roughly one crime per day—slightly lower than the previous month’s pace. On a monthly exposure basis, residents faced a 1-in-145 chance of being involved in a reported crime, a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Cottam’s lower overall crime rate suggests a relatively safer environment, though this is tempered by localized spikes in violence and anti-social behaviour. The population context—6,533 residents—means that even small absolute changes in crime numbers can have meaningful impacts on community perception. For example, the 200% increase in burglary cases, though numerically small (three incidents), may feel more pronounced in a tightly knit community. These comparisons highlight both the progress made in reducing crime and the specific challenges that require targeted action, ensuring that Cottam’s safety remains a priority for residents and local authorities alike.