Fulwood Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a notable shift in Fulwood’s crime profile, with the overall crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents placing the area 12.5% below the UK average of 7.2. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.7% of total), anti-social behaviour (23.4%), and vehicle crime (12.7%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of a built-up area within a larger urban centre, where Christmas shopping, extended party hours, and darker evenings often correlate with increased reports of violent incidents and property-related crimes. Anti-social behaviour, which saw a 61% rise above the UK average, may reflect heightened social activity during the festive period. Vehicle crime, at 78% above the national average, could be linked to Fulwood’s proximity to major transport routes or the presence of commercial premises with high vehicle turnover. Meanwhile, lower-than-average rates for theft from the person (100% below UK levels) and shoplifting (59% below) suggest effective policing strategies or community vigilance in high-traffic areas. The interplay of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and geographic factors likely contributes to these patterns, though further analysis would be needed to confirm specific causal links.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 200% surge in 'Other crime', rising from 2 to 6 incidents—a sharp increase that outpaced all other categories. This spike, while not yet classified under standard categories, may indicate unreported or newly emerging criminal activities warranting closer scrutiny. Concurrently, burglary saw a 142.9% increase, jumping from 7 to 17 cases, which could reflect heightened vulnerability during the holiday season when homes are unoccupied or poorly secured. In contrast, bicycle theft dropped by 50%, from 2 to 1, linked to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour, though still the second most common crime, remained 61% above the UK average, exacerbated by the festive social calendar. Fulwood’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.0 per 1,000) was 24% below the UK average, suggesting effective community interventions or policing in high-risk zones. Residents may find the 100% reduction in theft from the person—dropping from 0 to 1 incident—particularly reassuring, though the single reported case highlights the need for continued vigilance in public spaces.

Fulwood’s crime rate rose 5.7% from 6.0 to 6.3 per 1,000 residents between November and December 2023, a modest increase that contrasts with the broader trend of declining UK-wide crime rates. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while local to Fulwood, provides context for residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 158 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average when adjusted for population size. This statistic, though not directly comparable to national figures, underscores Fulwood’s relative safety compared to larger urban centres. The population of 32,471 further contextualises these numbers, showing that even with the 5.7% increase, the area’s crime burden remains manageable. The rise in burglary and 'Other crime' categories, however, suggests that targeted measures may be needed to address specific vulnerabilities during the festive season, particularly as the area’s built-up nature and proximity to Preston likely influence both crime patterns and policing priorities.