Cottenham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violent crimes dominated Cottenham’s October 2024 crime profile, accounting for 50% of all reported incidents—16 out of 32 total crimes. This figure, while significant, remains 14% below the UK average for violent crimes, which stands at 2.7 per 1,000 residents. The area’s overall crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents, 42% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, underscores a broader pattern of lower crime prevalence in South Cambridgeshire compared to national trends. This contrast may be influenced by Cottenham’s status as a built-up area within a rural district, where community engagement and localized policing strategies could contribute to lower crime rates. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings and the timing of Halloween, may have played a role in the month’s crime dynamics. For instance, the 200% increase in burglary to three incidents could be linked to increased home security risks during the shorter days of October, while the rise in shoplifting—doubling to one incident—may reflect the influence of seasonal shopping patterns. However, the area’s consistently low rates of anti-social behaviour (30% below the UK average) and criminal damage (32% below the UK average) suggest that community-focused initiatives may be effective in mitigating certain types of crime. The relatively low number of vehicle crimes—falling by 50% to one incident—could indicate changes in local traffic patterns or parking practices. These findings highlight the need for continued analysis of how seasonal and environmental factors intersect with crime trends in Cottenham, while also recognizing the effectiveness of existing measures in maintaining a relatively low crime profile.

October saw a 200% increase in burglary, rising from one to three incidents, marking the most substantial month-on-month jump in any category. Shoplifting also doubled, with one incident reported—a stark contrast to the previous month’s zero cases. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 50%, from two to one, possibly reflecting reduced traffic or changes in parking patterns. The breakdown of crime types reveals a strikingly low rate of anti-social behaviour, 30% below the UK average, which may be linked to the area’s community-focused environment. Violent crimes, at 16 total, remain the dominant category, but their rate of 2.3 per 1,000 is 14% below the UK average for this category. This mix of increases and decreases underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics, with seasonal factors like darker evenings and Halloween likely contributing to the rise in burglary and violent incidents. For residents, the sharp increase in burglary highlights the need for heightened awareness during evenings and holidays, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or unlit pathways.

Cottenham’s crime rate in October 2024 rose to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a 33.2% increase from the previous month’s 3.5 per 1,000. This shift, while modest in absolute terms, reflects a growing trend that warrants attention. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of maintaining community vigilance. When scaled to the local population of 6,881, this translates to one crime for every 215 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that, while not alarming, invites reflection on how local factors might influence crime patterns. The population-scaled perspective highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in Cottenham compared to the broader UK context, where the average rate is 8.1 per 1,000. This contrast is amplified by the area’s built-up nature within South Cambridgeshire, which may benefit from targeted policing strategies and community initiatives that contribute to its consistently lower crime profile. However, the rise in violent crimes and specific property-related incidents suggests that seasonal factors, such as darker evenings and Halloween, may have played a role in shaping the month’s crime dynamics.