Crime Statistics

Lancaster Crime Rate

-4.5%year-over-year

Crime is stable and HIGH in Lancaster

Lancaster BUA has a crime rate of 128.3 per 1,000, higher than the national average. With a safety score of 73/100, explore local crime statistics.

Overall Crime Rate

128.3
Crimes per 1,000 people
stable trend

Property Crime Rate

38.8
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Lancaster Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:128.3vs 93.4 UK avg
+34.9 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:38.8vs 33.2 UK avg
+5.6 per 1,000 people

Lancaster's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 50,834 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Lancaster

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Lancaster
Overall Crime Rate128.3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate38.8 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score73 out of 100
Population50,834
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Lancaster
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Anti-social behaviour2,00539.431%
Violence and sexual offences1,90637.529%
Criminal damage and arson55410.98%
Shoplifting4108.16%
Burglary3496.95%
Public order3005.95%
Other theft2995.95%
Vehicle crime1893.73%
Drugs1603.12%
Other crime1232.42%
Bicycle theft971.91%
Possession of weapons551.11%
Robbery400.81%
Theft from the person350.71%

About Lancaster

The built-up area of Lancaster, with a population of 50,834, records an overall crime rate of 128.3 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 73 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 78, suggesting a need for increased awareness regarding local safety. Over the past year, crime rates in this Lancaster BUA have shown a stable trend, with a slight decrease of 4.5% year-on-year. This overview provides a foundation for understanding the specific crime challenges and patterns within the urban core of Lancaster.

Lancaster Safety Score

73
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Lancaster's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Lancaster

#1

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:31%
Per 1,000:39.4
Total:2,005
#2

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:29%
Per 1,000:37.5
Total:1,906
#3

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:10.9
Total:554
#4

Shoplifting

Percentage:6%
Per 1,000:8.1
Total:410
#5

Burglary

Percentage:5%
Per 1,000:6.9
Total:349

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

Protect Against These Threats

Crime Breakdown in Lancaster

A detailed breakdown of crime in the Lancaster built-up area shows that Anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent issue, with 2,005 reported crimes (39.4 per 1,000 residents, 30.7% of the total). Violence and sexual offences follow closely, with 1,906 incidents (37.5 per 1,000, 29.2% of the total). Criminal damage and arson rank as the third most common crime type, accounting for 554 cases (10.9 per 1,000, 8.5% of the total). Property-related crimes, including burglary (349 crimes, 6.9 per 1,000), shoplifting (410 crimes, 8.1 per 1,000), other theft (299 crimes, 5.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (189 crimes, 3.7 per 1,000), bicycle theft (97 crimes, 1.9 per 1,000), robbery (40 crimes, 0.8 per 1,000), and theft from the person (35 crimes, 0.7 per 1,000), contribute to a combined property crime rate of 38.8 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating that residents and homeowners in the Lancaster BUA should be particularly mindful of property security. Understanding these patterns allows for targeted prevention efforts.

Crime Types Breakdown

Anti-social behaviour
2,005 incidents (39.4 per 1,000)
Violence and sexual offences
1,906 incidents (37.5 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
554 incidents (10.9 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
410 incidents (8.1 per 1,000)
Burglary
349 incidents (6.9 per 1,000)
Public order
300 incidents (5.9 per 1,000)
Other theft
299 incidents (5.9 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
189 incidents (3.7 per 1,000)
Drugs
160 incidents (3.1 per 1,000)
Other crime
123 incidents (2.4 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
97 incidents (1.9 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
55 incidents (1.1 per 1,000)
Robbery
40 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
35 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 6.1% change(over 12 months)
Lancaster
UK Average

Compare Lancaster with similar populations

Lancaster has a 37.4% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Lancaster

Crime trends in the Lancaster built-up area have remained stable over the last year, experiencing a decrease of 4.5% year-on-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, starting at 11.5 in October 2024 and dipping to 9.4 in January 2025. Rates generally hovered around 10.2 to 11.7, peaking in May at 11.7 and ending at 10.8 in September 2025. This downward trend, while modest, suggests a slight improvement in overall safety. Residents may find some reassurance in this stability, but continued attention to local crime prevention strategies remains important to sustain and further improve these figures.

When Do Crimes Happen in Lancaster?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Lancaster's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Lancaster?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Other37%
Theft36%
Burglary17%
Vehicle Crime10%
Violence0%

Morning hours exhibit increased theft and burglary as residential and commercial activities commence.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Other36%
Theft35%
Burglary26%
Vehicle Crime3%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees a peak in burglary and theft, likely coinciding with unattended properties and busy retail.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other54%
Burglary23%
Theft14%
Vehicle Crime9%
Violence0%

Evening crime includes a rise in 'other' offences and burglary, as darkness and social activities increase.

Night

12am - 6am

Other41%
Burglary29%
Vehicle Crime24%
Theft7%
Violence0%

Night hours are most vulnerable for burglary and vehicle crime, often targeting unoccupied premises.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Lancaster's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Lancaster, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time Patterns of Crime in Lancaster

Crime in the Lancaster built-up area exhibits distinct time patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) see a notable proportion of theft and burglary. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains significant, with a higher percentage of burglary incidents. During the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime categories become more prominent, alongside a continued presence of burglary and vehicle crime. Night hours (12am-6am) show the highest percentage of burglary and vehicle crime, suggesting these periods are particularly vulnerable for property-related offences when premises are often unattended.

Crime Rates Near Lancaster

Blackpool

18.3 miles

211.0
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Preston

16.2 miles

138.6
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Wyre

10.5 miles

85.8
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

South Ribble

22.6 miles

83.9
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Fylde

18.3 miles

81.1
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Ribble Valley

17.8 miles

53.9
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Stodday

2.2 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Bolton-le-Sands

2.6 miles

38.9
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Halton (Lancaster)

2.5 miles

52.2
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Morecambe

2.3 miles

145.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Police Response Times in Lancaster

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

N/AActual
Actual
N/A
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

N/AActual
Actual
N/A
Target
1h
UK Average
1h

Active Officers

3,561

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Source: FOI Request

How Does Lancaster Compare?

Crosby (Sefton)

72.7
crimes per 1,000 people
43.3% safer than Lancaster

Keighley

157.6
crimes per 1,000 people
22.8% higher than Lancaster

Beeston (Broxtowe)

79.2
crimes per 1,000 people
38.3% safer than Lancaster

Kingswinford

57.4
crimes per 1,000 people
55.3% safer than Lancaster

Comparing Lancaster with Nearby Areas

When comparing the Lancaster built-up area to its immediate neighbours, its crime rate of 128.3 per 1,000 offers a local perspective. The area has a higher crime rate than Stodday and Bolton-le-Sands, which are generally considered safer. However, its figures are more comparable to those found in Morecambe, another urban area within the local authority, which also experiences elevated crime rates. Halton (Lancaster) typically reports lower crime figures than the Lancaster BUA. This comparison helps residents understand the relative safety of their specific urban environment within the broader regional context.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

Sees Everything At Once

AI watches all cameras simultaneously. Never blinks. Never looks away. Impossible to sneak past.

Property line intervention

Knows Every Vehicle

DVLA verification catches fake plates instantly. Suspicious car? You know before they park.

Stop them early

Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
  • •Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • •Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • •They turn away before you even know

What used to be impossible is now effortless.

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Protecting Your Home in Lancaster

With a property crime rate of 38.8 per 1,000 residents in the Lancaster built-up area, which is higher than the UK average, robust home security is paramount. Relying solely on reactive security, such as traditional CCTV, often means you only get footage of a crime after it has happened. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach is essential. Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to prevent crime before it occurs. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS actively detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that never blinks. It can verify vehicles with DVLA data to spot fake plates instantly and learns your family's routines to only alert on genuine threats. This intelligent system provides an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Choosing professional-grade security like scOS offers a significant deterrent and a proactive defence against property crime, rather than just documenting it.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Lancaster

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Lancaster. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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