Preston (Preston) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Preston (Preston)

Preston (Preston) reports a significantly higher crime rate of 188.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it considerably above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score of 60 out of 100, while moderate, is below the national benchmark of 78, indicating a need for residents to be aware of local safety considerations. The overall crime trend for Preston (Preston) has been stable, with a slight decrease of 2.9% year-over-year, suggesting a consistent, albeit elevated, level of criminal activity. This overview provides a foundation for understanding the specific crime challenges within this built-up area.

Preston (Preston) Crime Type Analysis

In Preston (Preston), anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences are the most dominant crime types, collectively accounting for over 60% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour, with 58.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, is a notable concern, impacting daily life and public spaces. Violence and sexual offences are also very prevalent, at 55.8 per 1,000 residents, underscoring the importance of personal safety awareness. Shoplifting contributes 7.3% of total crimes, or 13.7 per 1,000 residents, indicating activity in retail areas.

The property crime rate in Preston (Preston) stands at 52.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes criminal damage and arson (12.1 per 1,000), other theft (9.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (7.3 per 1,000), and burglary (5.3 per 1,000). These figures suggest that properties and vehicles in Preston (Preston) are at a higher risk compared to the national average. Residents and businesses should therefore prioritise robust security measures to protect their assets from theft and damage.

Crime Trends in Preston (Preston)

Preston (Preston) has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor decrease of 2.9% year-over-year. This suggests that while the crime rate remains elevated, it has not seen a significant increase. Analysis of the monthly crime rates reveals fluctuations throughout the year. Peaks were observed in May 2025 at 17.8 per 1,000 and July 2025 at 17.4 per 1,000, which could be attributed to seasonal factors or increased activity during warmer months. Conversely, the lowest recorded rate was in February 2025 at 13.2 per 1,000, and relatively lower rates in October 2024 (16.2 per 1,000) and September 2025 (15.5 per 1,000). This pattern indicates that residents should remain vigilant, especially during periods of higher reported incidents, and consider consistent security measures regardless of minor monthly variations.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Preston (Preston)

Crime patterns in Preston (Preston) show distinct shifts throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prevalent, accounting for 42% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 16% and burglary at 10%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the highest category at 45%, with burglary increasing to 17%. This suggests that daytime hours, particularly during business and shopping times, are opportune for these types of offences.

The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a significant shift, with "Other" crimes dominating at 53%, and theft dropping to 18%. Vehicle crime holds at 15% and burglary at 14%. This increase in "Other" crimes could encompass a range of public order or anti-social behaviour incidents associated with evening activities. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 38% and burglary at 18%, indicating that these types of property offences are more likely when premises are unattended and darkness provides cover. Understanding these temporal patterns allows residents to tailor their vigilance and security measures to specific times of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Preston (Preston) with its neighbouring built-up areas provides valuable regional context. With a crime rate of 188.0 per 1,000, Preston (Preston) is notably higher than areas like Fulwood (85.6 per 1,000) and Penwortham, which generally exhibit lower crime figures, indicative of more residential or suburban characteristics. Broughton (Preston) also shows a lower crime rate at 121.8 per 1,000. Bamber Bridge, another nearby settlement, would similarly offer a point of comparison, likely having a different crime profile based on its local amenities and demographics. This regional overview highlights that while Preston (Preston) serves as a central urban area, residents seeking lower crime rates might find neighbouring communities like Fulwood or Penwortham to offer a comparatively safer environment.

Protecting Your Property in Preston (Preston)

With a property crime rate of 52.9 per 1,000 in Preston (Preston), significantly above the UK average, residents should seriously evaluate their home security. Relying solely on traditional CCTV often means you only get footage of a burglary after it's happened, offering little in the way of actual prevention.

To truly safeguard your property, a proactive security solution is essential. An AI-powered system like scOS offers a distinct advantage by detecting threats at your property boundary, before an intruder gains entry. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS leverages multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Its ability to learn your routines and verify vehicles with DVLA integration means it can distinguish between genuine threats and everyday occurrences, reducing false alarms.

When a real threat is detected, scOS doesn't just notify you; it triggers an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to deter intruders instantly, destroying their element of surprise. This professional-grade deterrence is a powerful tool against burglars who often decide to move on within 60 seconds of encountering serious protection. Choosing such a system means moving from simply recording crime to actively preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for homeowners in Preston (Preston).