Preston Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Preston during July 2023, 12.7 crimes were reported—53% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This translates to a 1-in-79 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. Anti-social behaviour dominated the crime profile, accounting for 31.1% of all incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (27.3%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These figures align with the seasonal context of July, a peak summer month when schools are closed, tourism increases, and festivals draw crowds to public spaces. The high rate of anti-social behaviour may partly explain the elevated crime profile, as crowded environments and extended daylight hours can create conditions conducive to disorder. Violence and sexual offences also exceeded the UK average by 26%, consistent with patterns observed in urban centres during summer when nightlife activity intensifies. Meanwhile, the rate of public order offences was 19% below the UK average, potentially reflecting local policing efforts or community initiatives that have mitigated some low-level disputes. The seasonal context of July—characterised by festivals, outdoor events, and increased foot traffic—likely contributes to the elevated crime rates, particularly in areas with high retail presence or tourist attractions. Understanding these patterns through a per-capita lens helps residents contextualise their personal risk and informs community safety strategies.

July 2023 saw a 94.1% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 17 to 33 incidents—a stark jump that may reflect higher cycling activity during summer months or vulnerabilities in bike storage infrastructure. Robbery rates also climbed by 50%, with 18 incidents reported compared to 12 in June, potentially linked to increased foot traffic during festivals and events. Shoplifting rose sharply by 41.7%, with 136 incidents recorded, suggesting that retail areas may have experienced heightened pressure during peak tourist season. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 50%, with 11 incidents reported compared to 22 in June, due to increased police visibility or community vigilance in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour remained significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents—182% higher than the national figure—highlighting a persistent challenge in managing public disorder. These shifts in crime patterns underscore the dynamic nature of local safety, with specific categories responding to seasonal rhythms and community activity levels. For residents, the spike in bicycle theft offers a concrete reminder to secure personal property during summer months when outdoor recreation peaks.

Preston’s crime rate in July 2023 rose by 6.8% compared to June, increasing from 11.9 to 12.7 per 1,000 residents. This translates to approximately 67 crimes reported each day in the area—a figure that, while specific to Preston, provides a tangible sense of the pace at which incidents occur. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 79 residents, illustrating the frequency of crime in a population of 162,864. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, though local factors such as population density and economic conditions may influence the disparity. The comparison to the UK average also reveals stark contrasts in specific crime types: anti-social behaviour in Preston was 182% above the national rate, while vehicle crime was 17% below. These variations highlight the unique challenges and strengths of Preston’s policing and community dynamics. For instance, the lower rate of vehicle crime compared to the UK average may reflect local efforts to secure parking areas or reduce opportunities for theft. Understanding these comparative figures helps contextualise Preston’s crime profile within a national framework, while also identifying areas where local interventions have had an impact.