Croston Crime Rate

Croston is an exceptionally safe urban settlement located in Chorley, with a crime rate of just 38.8 per 1,000 residents. This performance is significantly better than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a high safety score of 92/100. The area has seen a substantial improvement in its security profile recently, with crime levels decreasing by 26.3% year-over-year. With a property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000, Croston is one of the more secure locations in the region. This report details the specific crime types, time-based patterns, and trends that define the local safety environment.

Crime Breakdown in Croston

Croston’s crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and criminal damage and arson. Anti-social behaviour is the most frequent report, making up 38.1% of the total, followed by violence and sexual offences at 32.5%. Criminal damage and arson also feature significantly, accounting for 8.7% of incidents.

Regarding property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle offences—Croston maintains a very low rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is particularly rare in the area, representing only 1.6% of total crimes. Other theft (7.1%) and vehicle crime (3.2%) are the more common property concerns. For homeowners, this data indicates that while the risk of break-ins is minimal, protecting outdoor assets and preventing criminal damage are the most relevant security priorities.

Crime Trends in Croston

The safety profile of Croston has shown a marked improvement over the last year. The overall crime rate has decreased by 26.3% year-over-year, one of the most significant reductions in the Chorley local authority area. This suggests that the village is becoming notably safer for its residents.

Monthly data from 2024 and 2025 shows that crime rates remain consistently low, with minor fluctuations. The rate peaked at 5.2 per 1,000 in July 2025, but dropped as low as 1.5 in December 2024. These low figures across the board indicate a stable and secure community. For homeowners, the combination of a high safety score (92/100) and a strong downward trend in criminal activity provides high levels of confidence in the area's long-term security.

How To Keep Safe in Croston

Anti-social behaviour is the most frequently reported issue in Croston, often manifesting as low-level disruption or nuisance. To help maintain the safety and character of the village, consider these steps:

• Report Nuisance Activity: Consistent reporting of ASB (38.1% of local crime) allows local police to identify hotspots and intervene before issues escalate.
• Protect Against Vandalism: With criminal damage accounting for 8.7% of crimes, consider installing motion-activated lighting and ensuring boundary fences are in good repair.
• Vehicle Security: Ensure all vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas, as vehicle crime accounts for 34% of incidents occurring during the night.
• Daytime Vigilance: Theft is most common during the afternoon (51% of period crimes); ensure outbuildings and sheds are securely locked even when you are at home.
• Community Engagement: Participate in local social media groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about any suspicious activity in the village.

Crime in Croston follows a distinct temporal pattern. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft, representing 46% and 51% of activity respectively, which aligns with typical daytime movement. During the evening, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which make up 59% of reports. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant increase in vehicle crime, which rises to 34% of all incidents. This suggests that property and vehicle owners are most at risk during the late-night hours when natural surveillance is lowest. Targeted security measures during these hours, such as improved lighting and perimeter monitoring, are recommended for maximum effectiveness.

In the local context, Croston is one of the safest settlements in the Chorley area. It is significantly more secure than the nearby area of Wymott, which has a crime rate of 100.1 per 1,000. It is broadly similar to neighbouring Eccleston (39.0) but does not quite match the zero-crime statistics of the smaller rural communities of Bretherton and Ulnes Walton. For residents and prospective buyers, Croston offers a high-security environment compared to more industrial or transient areas in the wider Lancashire region.

Croston’s property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 highlights a low-risk environment, yet the prevalence of criminal damage and theft suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security often relies on recording an incident as it happens, which does little to prevent property damage or the loss of assets.

By adopting a proactive security operating system like scOS, residents can move from reactive recording to active prevention. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's perimeter, detecting potential threats before they can cause damage. This is particularly effective against anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, as the system can trigger immediate deterrents like lights and audio warnings. In an area like Croston, where the goal is to maintain the peaceful village atmosphere, scOS offers a professional-grade solution that stops crime at the boundary, ensuring your home remains untouched.