Lancaster Crime Rate

Lancaster is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 124.5 per 1,000 residents. While this figure is higher than the UK average of 91.6, the town maintains a high safety score of 73/100, which is close to the national benchmark of 79. Encouragingly, recent data shows that crime in Lancaster is on a downward trajectory, with a 7.0% decrease year-over-year. This positive trend suggests an improving safety environment for its 50,834 residents. Property crime is notably moderate at 36.7 per 1,000, which is close to the UK average of 32.2. While anti-social behaviour and violence are the most prevalent crime types, Lancaster remains one of the safer urban locations in the region. The following sections provide a detailed look into the specific crime types and temporal patterns within the town.

Lancaster's crime statistics are primarily influenced by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 30.4% of all recorded incidents, occurring at a rate of 37.8 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences follow closely as the second most common type at 29.7%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.3%.

Overall property crime in Lancaster—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various theft offences—occurs at a rate of 36.7 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting is the most significant threat, with a rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents. Burglary accounts for 4.7% of total crime, with a rate of 5.8 per 1,000. For residents, these statistics highlight that while Lancaster is statistically safe, property protection, particularly against theft and burglary, is a key concern. Homeowners should be vigilant, as property-related offences make up a substantial portion of the town's total crime volume, with burglary rates being higher than in some neighbouring areas. The high percentage of anti-social behaviour suggests that community safety awareness is key in this urban settlement.

Lancaster's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 7.0% reduction in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 fluctuated between a low of 8.5 in December and a peak of 11.7 in May.

Following the mid-year peaks, the rate remained relatively high, mostly staying between 9.9 and 11.2 per 1,000. This downward trajectory is a positive indicator for the local community, suggesting that crime is being effectively managed in the town. Residents can expect a safe and stable environment in the Lancaster urban settlement throughout the year. The overall decrease in the data is a testament to the town's high level of security. The overall safety of Lancaster remains good, and the consistent data reflects a well-managed urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Lancaster

Anti-social behaviour is the most common crime type in Lancaster (37.8 per 1,000). To stay safe, particularly in the evening when 'other' crimes peak (56%), be mindful of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas when walking through the town. If you are out late, try to travel with others and keep your mobile phone accessible.

Violence and sexual offences are also a notable issue, accounting for 29.7% of total crime. Engaging with local community groups and reporting any concerns to the police can help maintain the city's environment. Being a good neighbour and staying connected with those around you is one of the best ways to keep Lancaster safe.

Property crime is a consistent factor here, with burglary and theft making up a significant portion of total incidents. To keep your property safe, always ensure your home and car are locked, even if you are only out for a short time. Avoid leaving valuables on display in your vehicle. For residents, staying engaged with local safety schemes can help maintain the city's safety and ensure it remains a secure place for everyone. Reporting any suspicious activity promptly to the police is essential for tackling the area's crime.

Crime in Lancaster follows a distinct temporal pattern. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are the busiest periods for theft-related offences, accounting for 35% and 34% of incidents respectively. Burglary shows a significant peak at night (26%) and remains high in the afternoon (25%), suggesting properties are targeted during both late-night hours and working hours. The evening (6pm-12am) is dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 56% of recorded activity. Night-time (12am-6am) is also notable for vehicle crime, which surges to 25% of all incidents. These patterns indicate that while theft is a daytime concern, the risk to property and vehicles is highest during the afternoon and late-night hours. Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk periods for specific crime types.

In the local regional context, Lancaster (124.5 per 1,000) is safer than the nearby town of Morecambe, which recorded a higher crime rate of 146.2. However, it is busier than neighbouring settlements like Halton (54.6) and Bolton-le-Sands (39.5). Stodday reported no crimes (0.0) during this period. As a major urban hub for the area, Lancaster's higher rate compared to these smaller villages is expected. However, it remains a secure choice compared to broader regional benchmarks. Residents can feel confident that the town and its surrounding area offer a good level of security, making it a desirable location in Lancashire.

With a property crime rate of 36.7 per 1,000 and a decreasing crime trend, residents of Lancaster should prioritse proactive home security. Traditional reactive systems, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, only alert you after a crime has occurred. In Lancaster, where burglary and theft are significant concerns, preventing the entry entirely is the most effective way to protect your family and property.

The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed for prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect potential intruders before they even reach your door or windows. Its autonomous response system—including deterrent lighting and voice warnings—is often enough to make a criminal move on to an easier target. For Lancaster homeowners, the system's ability to learn daily routines and only alert on real threats ensures high-level security without constant false alarms. By choosing proactive AI protection over simple recording, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming part of the local crime statistics.