Preston Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Preston, Lancashire, reveal a concerning picture. Over the 12 months leading to January 2026, Preston recorded a crime rate of 138.0 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While crime has shown a slight stability, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year, the overall rate remains elevated, prompting residents and potential newcomers to carefully consider the safety landscape. Understanding the specific types of crime and their trends is crucial for informed decision-making and personal safety.

Preston is a diverse Local Authority District with a mix of urban and rural areas. Factors contributing to crime statistics likely include the area's population density, its role as a transport hub, and the presence of both residential and commercial activities. The city centre, in particular, experiences higher levels of crime due to increased footfall and potential for opportunistic offences. Variations in crime rates are also apparent across different neighbourhoods within Preston, with Preston (Preston) having a notably higher crime rate (185.9 per 1,000) compared to more rural areas like Grimsargh (57.0 per 1,000). Socioeconomic factors and community engagement initiatives also play a role in shaping the local crime landscape.

The most prevalent crimes in Preston are violence and sexual offences (42.8 per 1,000, 31.0%), followed closely by anti-social behaviour (41.8 per 1,000, 30.3%) and criminal damage and arson (9.4 per 1,000, 6.8%). Overall property crime in Preston stands at 37.9 per 1,000, reflecting a combination of burglary, theft, and criminal damage. Vehicle crime, with a rate of 5.0 per 1,000, is also a notable concern. While shoplifting (8.7 per 1,000) and public order offences (7.2 per 1,000) contribute to the overall crime picture, the high incidence of violent crime is particularly impactful on the community’s sense of safety. The rate of burglary is 4.2 per 1,000, slightly above the UK average of 3.4.

Crime in Preston has remained stable, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year. Monthly crime rates fluctuated throughout the period from February 2025 to January 2026, with July 2025 experiencing the highest monthly rate at 13.2 per 1,000 and February 2025 the lowest at 9.7 per 1,000. While the overall trend is stable, the fluctuations require ongoing monitoring. Specifically, the increase in possession of weapons (+12.3% YoY) warrants attention, even though other crime categories, like theft from the person (-22.7% YoY), have shown a positive decline.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Preston's crime rate of 138.0 per 1,000 is higher than Fylde (79.2 per 1,000), the safest neighbour. Blackpool, with a significantly higher crime rate of 204.4 per 1,000, presents a stark contrast. South Ribble (83.3 per 1,000) and Chorley (81.8 per 1,000) also have lower crime rates than Preston, highlighting the variations in safety across Lancashire.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, detecting potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature can instantly identify fake number plates, preventing vehicle theft. By leveraging AI to learn your family's routines and recognise deliveries, scOS minimizes false alarms and ensures genuine threats are addressed with autonomous responses like lights activating and speakers engaging – creating an element of surprise that can deter potential criminals. The right security system isn't just about recording crime; it's about preventing it.

How To Keep Safe in Preston

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. With anti-social behaviour also high, report any suspicious activity to the police. Criminal damage is another concern, so consider securing your property and valuables. Finally, as vehicle crime is a factor, ensure your vehicle is properly locked and alarmed.