Preston Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Preston's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 10.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 39.5% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure highlights the area's position as a jurisdiction with higher crime levels than the national benchmark, though the exact reasons for this disparity remain context-dependent. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (33.6% of all incidents), anti-social behaviour (28.8%), and criminal damage and arson (6.5%). These patterns align with Preston's character as a mixed urban area with a significant retail presence and a history of social challenges that may contribute to higher rates of disorder-related offences. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—likely influenced these figures, with the latter two events potentially driving both retail crime and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate remains elevated, the month's dynamics suggest that local factors such as community engagement, policing strategies, and economic conditions play a role in shaping the crime profile. The higher-than-average rates for violence and sexual offences may reflect broader societal trends, while the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour could be linked to the area's density and the pressures of late-night retail activity. These findings illustrate the need for targeted interventions in specific crime categories, particularly those that exceed national averages.

November 2024 saw a notable 10.5% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 523 to 578 incidents. This category remains 40% above the UK average, with a rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, contributing 28.8% of total crimes and sitting 170% above the UK average. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 35.2%, declining from 145 to 94 incidents, a drop that may reflect reduced foot traffic during the post-Black Friday period. Bicycle theft also saw a steep 41.7% decrease, falling from 24 to 14 cases, potentially linked to colder weather deterring outdoor activity. Meanwhile, possession of weapons increased by 15.4%, a 15-case rise that highlights a growing concern in the area. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with some crime types clearly influenced by November's shorter evenings and commercial events.

Preston's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 11.0% compared to the previous month, declining from 11.9 to 10.6 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late autumn, when shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic in retail areas may temper certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 57 crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that highlights the persistent volume of incidents despite the month-on-month decline. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure reveals that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 95 residents in Preston, a statistic that underscores the frequency of crime relative to the local population. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the month-on-month decrease suggests that local efforts or seasonal factors may have contributed to a temporary moderation in crime levels. The population context further illustrates that even with a relatively low crime rate per capita, the absolute number of incidents remains significant due to Preston's size.