Preston Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Preston

Preston reports an overall crime rate of 138.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area has a safety score of 70 out of 100, placing it slightly below the national average safety score of 78. Over the last year, Preston has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor decrease of 1.7% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent crime landscape, providing a foundation for understanding the specific crime patterns and challenges within the area.

About Preston

Preston, a city in Lancashire, serves as a significant administrative and commercial hub. Its urban characteristics, coupled with a substantial population of 162,864 residents, contribute to a dynamic environment that can influence crime statistics. The presence of a university, major transport links, and a vibrant city centre with nightlife options, naturally leads to higher population density and transient populations, which are often associated with elevated levels of certain crime types like anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Economic factors, including employment opportunities and social demographics, also play a role in shaping the local crime landscape. Understanding these underlying characteristics helps to contextualise the crime rate and safety score observed in Preston.

Preston Crime Type Analysis

Preston's crime landscape is significantly shaped by anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, which together account for over 60% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour, at 42.8 per 1,000 residents, is the most prevalent issue, often impacting residents' sense of community safety and quality of life. Violence and sexual offences follow closely with 42.3 per 1,000 residents, highlighting a need for continued focus on personal safety. Shoplifting, while a smaller proportion at 9.3 per 1,000, is the third most common crime, indicating issues within commercial areas.

Property-related crime in Preston stands at 38.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences, including criminal damage and arson (9.1 per 1,000), other theft (7.1 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (5.2 per 1,000). Burglary, at 4.2 per 1,000, also contributes to this figure. For residents and homeowners, these statistics underscore the importance of robust home and vehicle security measures to mitigate risks associated with theft and damage to personal property.

Crime Trends in Preston

Preston has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 1.7% year-over-year. This indicates that the overall crime rate has remained relatively consistent, without dramatic fluctuations. Examining the monthly data reveals some interesting patterns. Crime rates saw peaks in May 2025 at 13.0 per 1,000 residents and July 2025 at 13.2 per 1,000, suggesting potential seasonal increases during warmer months or holiday periods when activities might be higher. Conversely, the lowest rates were observed in February 2025 at 9.7 per 1,000 and September 2025 at 11.1 per 1,000. For residents, a stable trend means that while there isn't a dramatic improvement, the situation is not worsening significantly, allowing for consistent security planning.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Preston's crime rate of 138.6 per 1,000 is higher than some of its neighbours. For instance, areas like South Ribble and Chorley generally report lower crime figures, offering a contrast in local safety. However, Preston's rate is notably lower than urban centres such as Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen, which often face greater challenges associated with larger populations and higher visitor numbers. Fylde and Wyre typically present a safer profile, being more suburban or rural in nature. This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand Preston's position within the local crime landscape, highlighting its urban characteristics compared to its more rural or less densely populated neighbours, while also being safer than some larger urban counterparts.

Protecting Your Property in Preston

Given Preston's property crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000, which is above the UK average, residents should consider robust home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively. For real protection, a proactive approach is essential.

Advanced AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens. Instead of merely recording an incident, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that watches all cameras simultaneously. This allows for intervention in real-time. With features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, which recognises family routines and only alerts on genuine threats, scOS offers a significant deterrent. Its autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on.

While DIY systems have their place for basic monitoring, professional-grade equipment signals a serious commitment to protection. The right security system can make a burglar's 60-second decision easy – they simply move on to an easier target. Focusing on prevention over reaction is key to safeguarding your home and belongings effectively in Preston.