Cottenham Crime Rate

Crime in Cottenham

Cottenham is a safe urban settlement located within South Cambridgeshire, evidenced by its impressive safety score of 88/100. The overall crime rate stands at 54.9 per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of 91.6. However, residents should be aware that the area has seen a 14.2% increase in recorded crime year-over-year, indicating a rising trend that warrants attention. Despite this increase, the likelihood of being a victim of crime remains low compared to most UK built-up areas. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the types of crime occurring in Cottenham, the times they are most likely to happen, and how the village compares to its immediate neighbours.

Crime Breakdown in Cottenham

In Cottenham, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, making up 32.5% of the total with 123 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.7% and criminal damage and arson at 12.7%. These figures suggest that social and behavioural issues are the primary drivers of crime in the settlement.

When looking at property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—the rate in Cottenham is 19.2 per 1,000 people. Burglary specifically accounts for 6.9% of total crime, with 26 incidents recorded. Shoplifting (5.6%) and other theft (5.0%) also contribute to the local property crime profile. For residents, this means that while the overall safety score is high, there is a consistent level of opportunist theft that requires attention. Homeowners should be particularly aware of burglary risks, which represent a significant portion of the property-related offences in this built-up area.

Crime Trends in Cottenham

The crime trend in Cottenham is currently on the rise, with a 14.2% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. This upward trajectory is evident when looking at the monthly data for 2025. The year started with a moderate rate of 4.9 per 1,000 in January, which then dipped significantly to a low of 2.2 in March.

However, from the spring onwards, the rate began a steady climb. Crime activity intensified during the summer months and reached its annual peak in October at 6.3 per 1,000 people. This suggests that the latter half of the year was notably more active than the first. While the rates dropped back to 3.5 in November and December, the overall increase for the year indicates that residents should be more proactive about security than in previous years. This trend highlights the importance of community vigilance and robust home protection to deter the rising number of offences.

How To Keep Safe in Cottenham

The highest crime category in Cottenham is violence and sexual offences, representing 32.5% of all local incidents. While these often involve people known to each other, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is important.

To stay safe in Cottenham, always stick to well-lit, familiar routes when walking at night, especially near the village centre or transport links. If you are out late, try to walk with a friend or let someone know your expected arrival time. Given the 21.7% rate of anti-social behaviour, reporting any suspicious gatherings or nuisance activity to the local police can help prevent these issues from escalating.

For homeowners, the 6.9% burglary rate suggests that basic security habits are vital. Ensure that side gates are locked and that ladders or tools are not left out in the garden, as these can be used to gain entry to your property. By staying vigilant and participating in local community safety groups, residents can help reverse the recent upward crime trend and maintain Cottenham's reputation as a secure place to live.

Crime Patterns in Cottenham

Analysis of crime timing in Cottenham shows distinct patterns based on the type of offence. Property crime, specifically burglary, shows a dual peak, occurring frequently in both the afternoon (12pm-6pm) and at night (12am-6am), with both periods accounting for 31% of incidents. This suggests that burglars are active both when residents are away from home during the day and during the cover of darkness.

Theft-related offences, including shoplifting, are most prevalent during the morning and afternoon, coinciding with business hours. Conversely, vehicle crime sees a significant spike during the night, with 25% of all vehicle-related offences occurring in the early hours. Overall crime intensity tends to build throughout the day, peaking in the late afternoon and evening as social activity increases. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more targeted in their security measures, such as ensuring vehicles are extra secure overnight and homes are monitored during the afternoon.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the local context of South Cambridgeshire, Cottenham's crime rate of 54.9 per 1,000 people positions it as a middle-ground settlement for safety. It is notably safer than larger nearby built-up areas such as Histon and Impington, which has a rate of 67.4, and Longstanton and Northstowe at 66.4. However, it does not reach the near-zero crime levels of its smaller rural neighbours; both Rampton and Landbeach reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people during the same period. For those looking to live in the area, Cottenham offers a very high standard of safety compared to regional and national averages, though it experiences more activity than the most secluded local hamlets.

Proactive Security in Cottenham

Cottenham's property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents highlights a persistent risk of burglary and theft that residents should not ignore, especially given the rising crime trend. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or entered your home. By the time you get an alert, the crime is already in progress.

For true peace of mind, Cottenham homeowners should consider proactive protection. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime at the property boundary. Using advanced multi-camera intelligence, it distinguishes between your family, delivery drivers, and actual threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, stopping the crime before it happens. In an area where burglaries are evenly split between the afternoon and night, having a system that never blinks and responds in real-time is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a safe haven.