Broughton (Preston) Crime Rate

Broughton (Preston) currently experiences an overall crime rate of 121.8 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.7. The area has a safety score of 72/100, placing it below the UK average of 79. A significant concern for the community is the recent upward trend in criminal activity, with a 24.9% increase year-over-year. Monthly statistics for 2025 highlight a particularly active period in July, where the rate spiked to 19.8. Despite these figures, property crime remains in line with the national average, suggesting that much of the recorded activity is related to public order and personal offences. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these trends and practical advice for residents.

In Broughton (Preston), violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime, accounting for 36.5% of the total (44.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 25.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.6%. These top three categories represent over 70% of all local crime.

The collective property crime rate—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—is 32.0 per 1,000 people. This is almost exactly in line with the UK average of 32.3. While burglary itself accounts for only 4.0% of total crime, the overall theft and damage figures suggest a moderate risk to property owners. For residents, the data indicates that while the area has a higher overall crime rate than some neighbours, the risk of property-related offences is typical for the UK. The high levels of violence and ASB suggest that personal safety and community order are the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Broughton is currently experiencing a significant upward trend in crime, with a 24.9% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows considerable volatility. The year began with rates around 12.1 per 1,000, which then dipped in February before climbing steadily. A major spike occurred in July 2025, when the rate reached 19.8, nearly double the average for other months. While the rate subsided to 7.7 by November, the overall increase for the year is substantial. This trend suggests that residents should be increasingly proactive about their security, as the volume of reported incidents is notably higher than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Broughton (Preston)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Broughton, followed by anti-social behaviour. To enhance your personal and property safety, consider these localized tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and night-time; stick to well-lit main roads and avoid poorly lit cut-throughs.
2. Report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local police; consistent reporting helps authorities identify and patrol problem areas.
3. Secure your home's perimeter with robust fencing and motion-activated security lighting to discourage loitering and opportunist crime.
4. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure location overnight, as vehicle crime and burglary are most frequent during the late-night hours.
5. Consider a professional security system with visible deterrents; criminals are significantly less likely to target a property that is clearly protected by active surveillance.

Crime in Broughton follows distinct time-of-day patterns. Daytime hours are dominated by theft, which accounts for 45% of morning crimes and 48% of afternoon offences. This indicates a high risk during business and commuting hours. As the day ends, anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes become more prevalent, making up 53% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time (12am-6am) brings the highest relative risk for property owners, with vehicle crime (24%) and burglary (23%) reaching their peak percentages during these hours. This suggests that while daytime security should focus on theft prevention, night-time security must prioritise vehicle and home entry points.

When compared to surrounding areas, Broughton's crime rate of 121.8 is higher than many of its neighbours. Fulwood (87.6) and Goosnargh (82.4) both offer lower incident rates, while Barton and Woodplumpton are exceptionally quiet with zero reported crimes. Broughton's statistics are more closely aligned with Rural Preston (132.4), suggesting it is one of the more active urban settlements in the northern Preston area. For those looking for a quieter local alternative, Goosnargh or Grimsargh provide a significantly lower risk profile while maintaining similar regional access.

In Broughton, where the property crime rate is 32.0 per 1,000—matching the UK average—the need for effective home security is clear. Most residents rely on traditional CCTV or doorbell cameras, but these are fundamentally reactive. They record the crime as it happens, often providing little more than a video of a masked intruder. To truly secure a home in an area with a rising crime trend, proactive protection is essential.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to stop crime before it reaches your front door. By monitoring multiple cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies suspicious patterns and potential threats at your property boundary. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. In Broughton, where burglary and vehicle crime are most prevalent at night, scOS’s ability to verify vehicles and provide real-time deterrence offers a level of protection that simple recording devices cannot match. Investing in proactive AI security is a strategic way to ensure your home does not become part of the local statistics.