Preston Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every resident of Preston, the risk of experiencing a crime in July 2024 was 1-in-78 over the course of the month. This translates to 12.9 crimes per 1,000 people, placing the local authority 53.6% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The crime profile reflects a pattern consistent with an urban centre where anti-social behaviour and violence dominate. Anti-social behaviour alone accounted for 32.3% of all reported crimes, a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents—190% above the UK average. This is likely linked to the area’s mix of commercial hubs and densely populated residential zones, which may amplify social tensions during peak summer activity. Violence and sexual offences followed at 28.2% of total crimes, with a rate of 3.6 per 1,000—26% above the UK average. This could be influenced by the summer months, when outdoor events and festivals bring increased foot traffic to public spaces. Seasonal factors may also contribute to the 7.0% share of criminal damage and arson, which is 43% above the UK average, tied to vandalism during local celebrations. The overall crime rate highlights a need for targeted interventions in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence are concentrated.

July saw a 160% surge in theft from the person, rising from 5 to 13 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened outdoor activity during summer evenings. Bicycle theft also rose by 31.6%, with 25 reported cases, possibly linked to the influx of tourists and festival-goers using bikes in the area. In contrast, shoplifting decreased by 6.9%, falling from 159 to 148, which could indicate improved retail security measures or seasonal shifts in consumer behaviour. Anti-social behaviour remains the most significant concern, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000—190% above the UK average. This category’s dominance suggests a need for community-focused policing in areas with high foot traffic, such as the town centre. Meanwhile, burglary dropped by 6.7%, from 60 to 56, a small but notable decline that may reflect increased home security awareness. The data also reveals that possession of weapons—28 cases—was 186% above the UK average, a stark figure that could indicate localized issues requiring urgent attention from law enforcement.

The crime rate in July 2024 (12.9 per 1,000) was stable compared to the previous month (13.2 per 1,000), indicating no significant shift in overall trends. However, the daily crime count of 68 incidents per day underscores the persistent challenge of managing public safety in a densely populated area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 78 residents—a figure that, while not uncommon for urban centres, highlights the need for targeted community engagement. The population context reveals that Preston’s crime rate is higher than the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and violence driving much of the disparity. While the previous month’s rate was slightly higher, the consistency in the monthly average suggests that underlying factors—such as the area’s urban character and seasonal activity—continue to shape crime patterns. Residents may find the 1-in-78 monthly exposure figure useful for understanding the scale of risk, though this aggregates all crime types and does not reflect individual likelihoods.