Preston (Preston) Crime Rate

Preston is a major urban settlement within the Preston borough, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy commercial, administrative, and educational centre. The overall crime rate stands at 187.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 60/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Preston is currently stable, with a minor 2.8% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent security environment, though the higher-than-average crime rate suggests that residents should be proactive about their personal and property security. While the city faces challenges typical of larger urban centres, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and violence, it remains a core part of the Lancashire community.

Preston's crime profile is primarily defined by anti-social behaviour (31.2%), violence and sexual offences (29.7%), and shoplifting (7.0%). These top categories reflect a mix of personal and commercial-based issues common in major urban centres. Property-related crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 52.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes shoplifting (13.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (12.2 per 1,000), other theft (9.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (7.1 per 1,000), and burglary (5.5 per 1,000). For residents and business owners, this means that while personal safety and community order are major focuses, the protection of property from opportunistic theft and damage is also a constant requirement. The relatively high rate of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that both commercial premises and residential properties are frequent targets, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Preston is currently stable, with a minor 2.8% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 13.2 and 17.8 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in May (17.8) and July (17.4), while the lowest rates were seen in February (13.2) and November (13.8). This lack of significant escalation suggests a predictable security environment. For residents, this stability is reassuring, as it indicates that crime levels are not rising uncontrollably. However, the consistent nature of the data also means that the existing risks, particularly around anti-social behaviour and violence, remain constant factors that should be addressed through steady and proactive security measures. The slight downward trend is a positive indicator of local safety efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Preston (Preston)

The most frequent crime type in Preston is anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, it is important to maintain personal awareness and report any persistent nuisance or suspicious activity to the local council or police. Violence and sexual offences are also a major concern, accounting for 29.7% of total crime. Try to stick to well-lit, familiar routes when walking alone, especially in the city centre or near the university. For property security, ensure that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Shoplifting is relatively frequent, so business owners should consider robust internal and external security measures. For vehicle security, never leave valuables on display and always ensure your car is locked, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can be an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbours, helping to maintain the area's overall safety standards.

Crime in Preston exhibits clear temporal patterns. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 42% and 44% of crimes respectively. This likely reflects activity in commercial areas or shoplifting from town centre retailers. As evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the profile shifts, with general 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 54% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 37% of all recorded offences, and burglary reaches 18%. These trends suggest that while daytime crime is often opportunistic and retail-based, the night-time hours present a specific risk to vehicles, making secure parking and proactive boundary monitoring essential for residents during the late hours.

In the local context, Preston has a significantly higher crime rate than many of its more residential neighbours. Its rate of 187.1 per 1,000 is much higher than Fulwood (87.6), Penwortham (58.6), and Bamber Bridge (100.8). It is also higher than nearby Broughton (121.8). For those considering the region, Preston offers the amenities of a large city but with a much more active crime profile than the surrounding suburban areas. Its safety score of 60/100 highlights its performance as a busy urban centre within the wider Lancashire region, where crime levels are often higher than in rural districts.

With a property crime rate of 52.1 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Preston should prioritise effective security. Property-related offences, including shoplifting, criminal damage, and burglary, make up a significant portion of the local crime data. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—they record footage of a crime but do nothing to stop it. For real protection in Preston, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audible warnings. This 'prevention-first' model is particularly effective against opportunistic crimes like vehicle theft or shoplifting in commercial areas. By deterring an intruder before they act, scOS ensures that your property is actively defended, providing a level of security that traditional CCTV simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI technology is the most effective way to safeguard your home or business in Preston.