Cottam (Preston) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cottam (Preston) recorded a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 4.7% above the UK average of 6.4. This slight but notable divergence underscores the area’s distinct crime profile, which is shaped by a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The most significant contributor to the overall rate was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 61.4% of all reported crimes. At 4.1 per 1,000, this category is 77% above the UK average, suggesting that the built-up area within Preston may experience higher levels of interpersonal conflict or targeted criminal activity compared to other regions. The second most common category, criminal damage and arson, also exceeded the UK average by 74%, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000. This could be influenced by the area’s proximity to industrial or commercial zones, where vandalism might be more prevalent. Meanwhile, burglary—though lower in absolute numbers—was 140% above the UK average, with 0.6 per 1,000 residents. This may reflect vulnerabilities in residential areas or a lack of targeted prevention efforts. February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributed to the concentration of incidents in indoor or community spaces, amplifying issues such as domestic disputes or alcohol-related violence. The overall crime rate, while slightly elevated, remains within a range typical for built-up areas within larger urban centres. However, the disproportionate share of violent crime and property damage suggests that the area may require tailored interventions to address these specific risks.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, most a 200% rise in public order offences, which jumped from 1 to 3 incidents. This surge aligns with the month’s seasonal context—February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have shifted focus to indoor spaces, potentially exacerbating tensions in shared or confined environments. Meanwhile, burglary incidents doubled from 2 to 4, and other crime rose by 100% from 0 to 1, both of which could reflect targeted opportunities during quieter periods. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 50%, from 6 to 3, a decline that may indicate the effectiveness of recent local initiatives or simply a seasonal fluctuation. The area’s violent crime rate (4.1 per 1,000) is 77% above the UK average, highlighting a stark divergence in this category. This is particularly significant given that violent crime constitutes over 60% of all reported incidents in Cottam (Preston), a proportion higher than the national average. For residents, this means that while property-related crimes remain relatively low, the risk of encountering violence or sexual offences is markedly higher than in other parts of the UK.

Cottam (Preston) recorded a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, marking a 4.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.4. This rise places the area slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that aligns with typical patterns for built-up areas within larger urban centres. When scaled to the local population of 6,533, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 148 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while the area is not exceptionally high-risk, the crime burden is distributed across a relatively small population base. The shift from January to February also reflects seasonal dynamics—February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may contribute to the concentration of incidents in indoor or community-focused spaces, such as residential areas or local hubs. These factors suggest that while the overall rate is slightly up, the underlying drivers are more about timing than a sudden escalation in criminal activity.