Preston Crime Rate

Preston is a major city in Lancashire, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy commercial, administrative, and educational hub. The overall crime rate stands at 138.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 70/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Preston is currently stable, with a minor 1.6% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent security environment, though the higher-than-average crime rate suggests that residents should be proactive about their personal and property security. While the city faces challenges typical of larger urban centres, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and violence, it remains a core part of the Lancashire community.

Preston is a city and local authority district in Lancashire with a rich industrial history and a status as a major administrative and educational centre. It is home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), which brings a large student population to the city, influencing local demographics and the night-time economy. Preston is a significant transport hub, with a major railway station and close proximity to the M6, M61, and M55 motorways, facilitating high volumes of transient traffic. The area features a mix of high-density urban residential zones, large-scale commercial and retail sectors, and suburban neighbourhoods. These urban characteristics, combined with a busy city centre, contribute to the area's crime statistics, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order. The socio-economic profile of Preston is varied, with urban regeneration projects alongside areas of challenge, which can influence crime patterns. The presence of a thriving retail sector and numerous leisure destinations also plays a role in the local crime rate, particularly regarding business-related offences and public-facing incidents.

In Preston, the crime landscape is primarily defined by anti-social behaviour (31.0%), violence and sexual offences (30.7%), and criminal damage and arson (6.7%). These top categories reflect a mix of personal and community-based issues common in major urban environments. Property-related crime is a significant factor, with a combined rate of 38.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes shoplifting (6.5%), other theft (5.1%), vehicle crime (3.6%), and burglary (3.1%). Shoplifting is particularly notable, occurring at a rate of 9.0 per 1,000. For residents and business owners, this means that while personal safety and community order are major focuses, the protection of property from opportunistic theft and damage is also a constant requirement. The relatively high rate of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that both commercial premises and residential properties are frequent targets, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Preston is currently stable, with a minor 1.6% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 9.7 and 13.2 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in July (13.2) and May (13.0), while the lowest rates were seen in February (9.7) and November (10.5). This lack of significant escalation suggests a predictable security environment. For residents, this stability is reassuring, as it indicates that crime levels are not rising uncontrollably. However, the consistent nature of the data also means that the existing risks, particularly around anti-social behaviour and violence, remain constant factors that should be addressed through steady and proactive security measures. The slight downward trend is a positive indicator of local safety efforts.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Preston's reported crime rate of 138.5 per 1,000 appears higher than areas like Wyre, South Ribble, Fylde, Chorley, and Blackpool, which all recorded 0.0 in this specific data period. It is also higher than the neighbouring borough of Blackburn with Darwen (118.5). However, it is important to note that Preston is a major city and commercial centre, and these comparisons often reflect differences in reporting or specific local data spikes. In the broader regional context of Lancashire and the North West, Preston's crime levels are typical for a city of its population density and economic activity. For those considering the region, it provides a stable urban environment with safety scores that are competitive with many other metropolitan areas.

With a property crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Preston should prioritise effective security. Property-related offences, including shoplifting, criminal damage, and burglary, make up a significant portion of the local crime data. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—they record footage of a crime but do nothing to stop it. For real protection in Preston, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audible warnings. This 'prevention-first' model is particularly effective against opportunistic crimes like vehicle theft or shoplifting in commercial areas. By deterring an intruder before they act, scOS ensures that your property is actively defended, providing a level of security that traditional CCTV simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI technology is the most effective way to safeguard your home or business in Preston.

How To Keep Safe in Preston

The most frequent crime type in Preston is anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, it is important to maintain personal awareness and report any persistent nuisance or suspicious activity to the local council or police. Violence and sexual offences are also a major concern, accounting for 30.7% of total crime. Try to stick to well-lit, familiar routes when walking alone, especially in the city centre or near the university. For property security, ensure that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Criminal damage is relatively frequent, so consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property to deter vandals. For vehicle security, never leave valuables on display and always ensure your car is locked, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can be an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbours, helping to maintain the area's overall safety standards.