Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2025, Cottam (Preston) maintained a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, 10.4% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences. The area’s most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (18 incidents, 40% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (17 incidents, 37.8%). These patterns may be linked to the built-up nature of the area, where concentrated populations and commercial spaces can foster both conflict and disorder. The seasonal context of October — with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween — may have contributed to the 100% increase in shoplifting. Violent crimes, while 5% above the UK average for their category, were offset by significant declines in property crimes such as burglary (down 50%) and criminal damage (down 100% compared to September). The overall rate, however, remains in line with the area’s historical trend of being a relatively safe built-up zone within Preston. This balance between violent and property crime highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing anti-social behaviour, which is 106% above the UK average. For residents, the 6.9 rate translates to a monthly exposure of one crime per 145 people, a figure that, while not insignificant, is lower than the national average. The data underscores the importance of community engagement and localised policing strategies, particularly during high-risk periods like October.

October 2025 marked a sharp increase in shoplifting, which surged by 100% to three incidents — a stark contrast to the previous month’s zero reports. This spike may be linked to Halloween, when retail areas often see heightened activity. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 15%, dropping from 20 to 17 incidents, though it remains 106% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. Violent crimes, which accounted for 40% of all incidents, were 5% above the UK average for their category (2.7 per 1,000). Meanwhile, burglary fell by 50%, from two to one incident, aligning with broader UK trends of declining property crimes. The most notable shift was in the crime mix: violent crimes now represent 40% of the total, compared to 24% in September, indicating a move towards a more violent profile. For residents, the 100% rise in shoplifting highlights the need for vigilance during festive periods, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.

Cottam (Preston) saw a 12.6% increase in its crime rate from 6.1 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents in October 2025 compared to September. This rise, though modest, translates to one reported crime for every 145 residents over the course of the month — a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of crime in daily life. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day, a localised metric that reflects the concentrated nature of incidents within this built-up area. While the overall rate remains 10.4% below the UK average, the shift in crime mix compared to the previous month reveals a nuanced picture. The proportion of violent crimes has grown relative to property crimes, a trend that may partly explain the increase in anti-social behaviour and violence. This balance between violent and property crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes tend to dominate. For residents, the 1-in-145 monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of risk, though it remains lower than the national average. The area’s built-up character, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, likely contributes to the persistence of localised crime patterns.