Cottenham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cottenham's crime rate in February 2024 remained significantly below the UK average, with 3.6 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 7.1. This places the area 49.3% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting the built-up area's relatively low levels of violent and property crime. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 60% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 24%. These figures contrast with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stands at 2.5 per 1,000 residents—12% higher than Cottenham's rate. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, may contribute to the lower overall crime rate, though the prominence of violence-related incidents suggests local factors beyond seasonal patterns are at play. The area's low property crime rate, with only 4 incidents reported, is 63% below the UK average for shoplifting and criminal damage, indicating a strong community presence that likely deters such offences. However, the mix of crimes highlights the need for continued vigilance in addressing violence and anti-social behaviour, which remain the most pressing concerns in the built-up area.

February 2024 saw significant spikes in three specific crime categories compared to January. Theft from the person increased by 100%, rising from zero to one incident, a figure that exceeds the UK average for this category by 18%. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, with six reports recorded—this is 14% below the UK average but represents a marked increase for the area. Shoplifting, which had previously been absent, rose by 100% to one incident, aligning with the UK average but highlighting an unusual shift in local crime patterns. Criminal damage and arson fell by 80%, dropping from five to one incident—a decrease that may reflect seasonal factors or targeted interventions. The overall balance of crime types shows a stark contrast to the UK profile, where property crimes dominate. In Cottenham, violent crimes make up 60% of all reports, compared to 45% nationally. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour has risen, and report incidents promptly to local authorities. The spike in theft from the person, though small in absolute terms, underscores the need for personal security measures in public spaces.

Cottenham's crime rate in February 2024 (3.6 per 1,000 residents) rose by 4.0% compared to January's rate of 3.5, a modest increase that still leaves the area far below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 29-day period, a figure that may seem low but reflects the small population of 6,881 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 275 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national statistics. This equates to a 1-in-275 chance of being directly affected by crime, a figure that highlights the area's relative safety despite the spikes in specific categories. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with the increases in anti-social behaviour and theft from the person, the overall impact remains minimal. For context, the UK average monthly exposure is approximately 1-in-140 residents, meaning Cottenham's residents face less than half the risk. However, the localised nature of the increases in violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggests that targeted efforts may be necessary to address these specific issues, even within a generally low-crime environment.