Preston Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Preston's crime rate in November 2025 stood at 10.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.8% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's elevated risk profile compared to the national picture, though the month-on-month reduction of 12.0% suggests some short-term progress. The crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (33.9% of all reported crimes), anti-social behaviour (27.4%), and criminal damage and arson (8.0%). These patterns align with Preston's character as a mixed urban and industrial district with a high density of public spaces and retail areas. The dominance of violent crime likely reflects the town's social dynamics, including the preponderance of public spaces that may contribute to higher rates of confrontational incidents. The significant gap between Preston's crime rate and the UK average highlights the need for continued focus on community-based interventions and resource allocation. Seasonal factors, such as the Black Friday shopping period and Bonfire Night, may have influenced specific trends, with shoplifting and criminal damage both showing increases. However, the reduction in burglary cases could be attributed to seasonal patterns, as colder weather may limit outdoor opportunities for such crimes. The overall picture suggests a combination of local characteristics, seasonal influences, and the effectiveness of existing crime prevention measures.

Month-on-month, shoplifting cases increased by 17.1% (82 to 96), likely linked to the Black Friday shopping period and the town centre's retail density. Conversely, burglary cases fell by 34.3% (70 to 46), possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 31.1% (676 to 466), though this category remains 174% above the UK average. Possession of weapons rose by 19.0% to 25 cases, indicating a persistent local issue. Vehicle crime fell 25% below the UK average, which may be attributed to fewer vehicles on the road during colder months. The crime mix shows a strong emphasis on violent offences (33.9% of all reported crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (27.4%) and criminal damage (8.0%). These patterns align with Preston's character as a densely populated urban area with high public space usage, which may contribute to the dominance of violent and disorderly crime.

Preston's crime rate in November 2025 fell to 10.5 per 1,000 residents, a 12.0% reduction from October's 11.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as colder weather and darker evenings may reduce outdoor activity in public spaces. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 96 residents, illustrating the persistent exposure to crime despite the monthly drop. Daily crime activity averaged 57 crimes per day, a local metric that underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity in the area. When compared to the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000, Preston's rate remains significantly elevated, though the month-on-month reduction suggests potential short-term progress in addressing pressure points. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while crime remains higher than the national average, the rate of decline may reflect targeted interventions or natural fluctuations in criminal opportunity. The local context of a mixed urban and industrial district with high foot traffic in retail areas likely contributes to the sustained risk profile.