Determining how safe Preston city centre is requires examining available data. The crime rate in Preston, defined as the Local Authority District (LAD) of Preston, stands at 138.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average, which is 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. The population of Preston LAD is 162,864.
This crime rate figure represents the total number of reported crimes within the area and doesn't specify the types of crimes committed. It’s important to remember that crime rates can be influenced by various factors including population density, socioeconomic conditions, and policing strategies.
Alongside the crime rate, Preston’s safety score is 70/100. The UK average safety score is 79/100, indicating that Preston scores lower than the national average in terms of perceived safety. This safety score is a composite metric, likely based on a combination of factors including crime statistics, resident surveys, and perceived levels of safety. A lower score suggests residents may feel less safe compared to the rest of the country.
It's crucial to consider these numbers within context. A higher crime rate doesn’t automatically equate to a consistently dangerous environment. Being aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and taking common-sense safety precautions are always recommended, regardless of location. Reporting any suspicious activity to the police is also a vital step in maintaining community safety. Further investigation into the specific types of crimes occurring would provide a more detailed picture of the risks within Preston city centre.