Lancaster Crime Rate

Lancaster presents a complex safety profile with an overall crime rate of 126.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits notably above the UK average of 91.7, reflecting its status as a significant urban and commercial hub. However, the area maintains a safety score of 73/100, which is respectable for a city of its size. Encouragingly, the recent trend shows a year-over-year decrease in crime of -5.4%, suggesting that safety is improving. As a historic city with a large student population and a thriving daytime economy, Lancaster's statistics are influenced by high footfall and central activities. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

The crime profile in Lancaster is dominated by three main categories: anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and criminal damage and arson. Anti-social behaviour is the most frequent report, accounting for 30.3% of all incidents (38.4 per 1,000 residents). This is followed closely by violence and sexual offences at 29.5%. Criminal damage and arson make up a further 8.2% of the total.

Property crime in Lancaster, which encompasses burglary, various forms of theft, and vehicle crime, remains a significant concern with a combined rate of 37.9 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting (6.4%) and burglary (5.0%) are the most prevalent issues. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while violent crime is a major factor, the risk of property-related offences is substantial, necessitating a proactive approach to home and business security to mitigate the impact of theft and intrusion.

The crime trend in Lancaster is currently on a downward trajectory, with a year-over-year decrease of -5.4%. This indicates a positive shift in the local safety environment. Analyzing the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025, we see a relatively stable pattern with minor fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 10.6 in December 2024 and dipped to a low of 9.4 in January 2025.

A slight peak was observed in May 2025, reaching 11.7, which may correspond with seasonal increases in outdoor activity or local events. However, the rates in the latter half of the year remained consistent, hovering between 9.9 and 10.8. This stability, combined with the overall annual decrease, suggests that while Lancaster remains a busy urban area, the incidence of crime is being managed effectively. For residents, this means a lower probability of being a victim of crime compared to the previous year.

How To Keep Safe in Lancaster

Anti-social behaviour is the most frequently reported issue in Lancaster, often concentrated in high-traffic urban areas and near nightlife hubs. To stay safe and minimise the impact of these incidents, consider the following practical steps:

• Stay in Well-Lit Areas: When walking through the city centre at night, stick to main roads and well-lit pedestrian paths. Avoid poorly lit shortcuts or isolated alleyways.
• Report Incidents Promptly: Use the 101 non-emergency number to report persistent anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood. Timely reporting helps police allocate resources to specific hotspots.
• Secure Your Perimeter: Ensure your home's front and rear boundaries are well-defined and well-lit. Motion-sensor lighting is a highly effective deterrent for opportunistic ASB near residential properties.
• Engage with Community Schemes: Join or start a Neighbourhood Watch group. Collective vigilance is one of the strongest defences against the types of nuisance crime common in urban environments.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When using public transport or walking in crowded areas, keep valuables out of sight and maintain awareness of those around you.

Crime in Lancaster follows distinct temporal patterns that align with the city's daily rhythm. During the daylight hours (6am - 6pm), theft is the most prominent concern, accounting for 35% of incidents in both the morning and afternoon. This is likely linked to the high volume of retail activity and commuters in the city centre.

As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts significantly towards "Other" crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rising to 54% of the total. This period coincides with the opening of the city's bars and restaurants. The night hours (12am - 6am) present a different risk profile; while overall volume may be lower, the proportion of burglary (26%) and vehicle crime (26%) peaks. This suggests that residential and vehicle-related property crimes are most likely to occur under the cover of darkness when streets are quietest.

When comparing Lancaster to its immediate neighbours, there is a significant range in crime intensity. To the west, Morecambe experiences a higher crime rate of 144.3 per 1,000 people, making Lancaster the safer urban choice between the two. Conversely, moving just a short distance into the surrounding villages reveals much lower crime levels. Halton (Lancaster) reports a rate of 54.3, while Bolton-le-Sands is lower still at 39.3. For those seeking the most tranquil environment in the region, Stodday provides a near-zero crime rate, highlighting the sharp contrast between Lancaster's urban core and its rural fringes.

With a property crime rate of 37.9 per 1,000 residents in Lancaster, homeowners should look beyond basic security measures. Traditional CCTV systems and doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide you with high-definition footage of a crime that has already occurred. In an urban environment like Lancaster, where burglars often make quick decisions, proactive protection is far more effective.

The scOS artificial intelligence operating system transforms your security by detecting threats at the property boundary. Instead of simply recording a break-in, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify suspicious patterns and autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter criminals before they even reach your door. For Lancaster residents, this means moving from evidence collection to active prevention. By destroying the element of surprise and verifying vehicles via DVLA data, scOS ensures that your home is a hardened target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on.