Cottenham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cottenham's crime profile in August 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 38.2% of all incidents. This mix contrasts sharply with the UK average, where such offences account for 28% of total crime. The area's overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents—39.5% below the UK average—suggests a generally safer environment. Anti-social behaviour (14.7%) and burglary (11.8%) form the next most common categories, with the latter significantly outpacing the UK average for this offence. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, likely contributes to these patterns. Empty homes during the summer could explain the 76% increase in burglary rates compared to the UK average, while the relatively low incidence of shoplifting (5.9%) may reflect the area's smaller retail footprint. Violent crime remains a priority for local authorities, as it accounts for nearly two-thirds of all reported incidents. The balance between property and violent crime highlights the need for targeted policing strategies, particularly in addressing burglary risks during periods of increased property vacancy. This crime mix aligns with the characteristics of a small built-up area, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity may moderate certain types of criminal activity, even as seasonal factors amplify others.

August 2023 saw a 200% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from one to three, and a 100% increase in both shoplifting and burglary, each doubling from previous month totals. These shifts contrast with a 75% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from four to one. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type (38.2% of total), remained 28% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Burglary, however, stood out as 76% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect seasonal patterns linked to the area's holiday season. The spike in 'other crime'—a category that includes non-specific offences—could signal underreported or evolving criminal activity. Residents might find the 100% rise in burglary particularly noteworthy, as it highlights a potential vulnerability during the summer months.

Cottenham's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 41.5% compared to July, reflecting a shift from 3.5 to 4.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains well below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day during August, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate. Monthly exposure shows that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 202 residents, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When contextualised against the population of 6,881, the 34 total crimes represent a manageable burden for local services. This monthly exposure figure, though static, provides a clear snapshot of how often residents might encounter crime in their daily lives. The increase from July may reflect seasonal factors, such as the peak holiday period in August, which could lead to temporary changes in community dynamics and property vulnerability.