Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated crime reports in Cottam (Preston) during July 2025, accounting for 46.7% of all recorded crimes. At 4.3 per 1,000 residents, this rate is 177% above the UK average for the category, highlighting a stark divergence from national trends. The overall crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 7.0% above the UK average of 8.6, a margin that suggests local factors are amplifying certain types of crime. The top three crime categories—anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and criminal damage and arson—collectively represent 75.4% of all reported incidents. July, a peak summer month with schools out and festivals in full swing, likely contributed to heightened anti-social behaviour, as outdoor events and increased foot traffic may have created conditions conducive to disorder. Violence and sexual offences, though 18% below the UK average, remained a significant concern, with 2.5 per 1,000 residents affected. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson surged to 1.1 per 1,000 residents, an 80% increase over the UK average, possibly linked to vandalism during public events or seasonal neglect of property. These patterns reflect a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the built environment of the area, which is a built-up zone within the larger urban context of Preston.

July 2025 saw a dramatic 600% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to seven incidents—a sharp spike that may be tied to summer festivals or targeted vandalism. Other crime also surged by 200%, with reports tripling from one to three, suggesting a possible underreporting trend or increased visibility of non-traditional offences. Conversely, public order offences fell by 66.7%, dropping from three to one, a decline consistent with the summer lull in public gatherings or improved community engagement. Anti-social behaviour, already the dominant category, remained 177% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge for local authorities. Shoplifting fell by 54% compared to the UK average, with only two incidents reported, though this may reflect the area’s retail profile or effective policing in high-traffic zones. The shift in crime mix—anti-social behaviour and property-related offences outpacing violent crime—suggests a seasonal pattern where community tensions and environmental factors outweigh interpersonal conflicts during the summer. Residents may find the 23.8% decrease in violence and sexual offences from June (21 to 16 cases) a welcome development, though vigilance remains necessary given the area’s above-average crime rate.

Cottam (Preston)’s crime rate in July 2025 rose 13.2% compared to June 2025, when the rate was 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a growing trend in certain crime types. Locally, 2 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that, while low, indicates a consistent presence of criminal activity in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 109 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to the area’s population of 6,533, suggests that while crime is not pervasive, it remains a tangible concern for a significant minority. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the 60 total crimes represent a 0.9% incidence rate, slightly higher than the UK average but within a range that could be attributed to local characteristics such as density or economic factors. The previous month’s lower rate may have been influenced by the end of the school term in June, which typically reduces youth-related anti-social behaviour. However, the surge in criminal damage and arson in July points to a different dynamic, linked to increased outdoor events or seasonal neglect. These comparisons highlight the need for context-specific strategies to address the unique challenges of Cottam (Preston).