Cottenham Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cottenham's January 2025 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents stands 31% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting the area's consistently lower crime profile. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.1% of all reported crimes. This rate (2.2 per 1,000) was 12% below the UK average, suggesting effective local strategies in reducing violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed with 17.7% of total crimes, also 8% below the UK average, indicating strong community engagement in managing public order. In contrast, criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000) were 76% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000—a stark anomaly that may reflect specific local challenges, such as targeted vandalism in underused spaces. The seasonal context of January, with shorter days and post-holiday retail activity, likely contributed to reduced outdoor crimes typical of this time of year. However, the area's built-up nature within South Cambridgeshire means crime patterns are influenced by local factors, including residential density and proximity to regional transport links. The low overall crime rate, despite the spike in criminal damage, reinforces Cottenham's position as a relatively safe area, though targeted interventions may be needed for the categories exceeding UK averages.

Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 44.1% of all crimes in January 2025. This category was 12% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent trend in Cottenham's lower rates of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour (17.7% of total crimes) was 8% below the UK average, suggesting effective local measures in managing public order. However, criminal damage and arson (0.9 per 1,000) were 76% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000—a significant outlier that may indicate targeted issues in specific areas. Month-on-month, other crime saw a 200% increase (1 → 3), and vehicle crime doubled (0 → 1), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as post-holiday vehicle usage. Conversely, burglary fell by 50% (2 → 1), due to heightened community vigilance during colder months.

Cottenham's crime rate in January 2025 (4.9 per 1,000) marks a 79% increase compared to December 2024's 2.8 per 1,000. This rise, while notable, remains 31% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. The monthly exposure figure shows one reported crime occurred for roughly every 202 residents over the course of the month—a rate that, while low, reflects a shift in crime patterns. Daily crime counts averaged just 1 per day, consistent with the area's historically low crime profile. However, the increase from December suggests seasonal or local factors may have influenced activity, such as post-holiday transitions or changes in community events. This contrast with the UK average underscores Cottenham's distinct position as a built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, where community-focused policing and local initiatives may contribute to sustained lower rates despite the recent upward trend.