Cottenham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cottenham's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's character as a small built-up community within South Cambridgeshire. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.9% of all reported incidents (18 cases), followed by burglary (11.6%, 5 cases) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%, 4 cases). The rise in violence and sexual offences—up 50% from April—contrasts sharply with the 69% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 2 to 1 case. Seasonal patterns in May, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may partly explain the uptick in violent crime. However, Cottenham's overall safety profile remains better than the UK average, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour (59% below UK levels) and public order offences (52% below UK levels). The area's low vehicle crime rate (0.6 per 1,000) and relatively high burglary rate (126% above UK average) suggest a mix of local dynamics, such as the potential influence of its proximity to Cambridge and the associated commuter traffic. These figures underscore the need to consider both geographical and demographic factors when interpreting crime trends in such a small, rural-adjacent built-up area.

May 2024 saw a 50% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 12 to 18 cases—a stark contrast to the 69% drop in shoplifting (2 to 1 case). This shift highlights a marked change in the crime mix, with violent crime now accounting for over 40% of all reported incidents, compared to 27% in April. Burglary remained high, at 126% above the UK average (0.7 vs 0.3 per 1,000), suggesting potential vulnerabilities in property security despite the area's generally low crime profile. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell sharply by 59% compared to the UK average, reflecting local efforts or community dynamics that may mitigate such incidents. The 100% increase in possession of weapons (0 to 1 case) is particularly concerning, though the single incident remains an outlier. Residents may find the 16.2% monthly rise in overall crime rate (from 5.4 to 6.3 per 1,000) noteworthy, though the area remains well below the national average. These fluctuations underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the unexpected surge in violent crime.

Cottenham's crime rate in May 2024 rose by 16.2% compared to April, moving from 5.4 to 6.3 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the area still maintains a significantly safer profile than the UK average, with its overall rate 25% lower than the national figure. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may appear low but reflects the small population of 6,881 residents. Monthly exposure data reveals that over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for every 160 residents—a rate that, while slightly higher than April, remains well within the range of a low-crime area. When compared to the UK context, Cottenham's performance in categories like anti-social behaviour (59% below UK average) and public order offences (52% below UK average) highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives or community cohesion. However, the 126% above UK average for burglary suggests targeted vulnerabilities, potentially linked to the area's proximity to Cambridge and the associated commuter movement. These comparisons illustrate that while Cottenham's crime trends are largely positive, specific areas require continued attention to maintain the current safety profile.