Preston Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Preston’s December 2025 crime rate of 14.4 per 1,000 residents places it 105.7% above the UK average of 7.0, reflecting a stark contrast to the national trend. This figure translates to 1,331 recorded crimes across the built-up area, equating to roughly 14 crimes for every 1,000 people. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.7% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (25.8%) and criminal damage and arson (7.4%). These patterns are consistent with the city’s urban character, where dense populations and public spaces create environments conducive to both property and violent crime. The seasonal context of December—marked by extended dark evenings, Christmas shopping, and the presence of transient populations—may have amplified certain trends. For instance, the high rate of violence and sexual offences could be linked to increased alcohol consumption during festive events, while anti-social behaviour may have been exacerbated by the stress of holiday preparations. The data also shows that property crimes, though lower in proportion than violent crimes, remain a concern, with shoplifting and other theft accounting for 12.6% of all incidents. This suggests that retail areas in Preston, such as the city centre, may be particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. The city’s crime profile underscores the need for targeted strategies during peak periods, balancing community engagement with increased policing in high-risk zones.

December saw a sharp 75% increase in theft from the person, rising from 4 to 7 incidents. This surge may be linked to the Christmas shopping peak and the presence of high-value items in public spaces. Meanwhile, other crime increased by 38.1%, with 29 incidents reported, reflecting a broadening of criminal activity beyond traditional categories. Drug-related offences also rose by 36%, from 50 to 68 cases, potentially influenced by the festive season’s social dynamics. Conversely, robbery decreased by 38.5%, from 13 to 8 incidents, due to fewer people out of their homes during the holiday period. The city’s violent crime rate, at 4.7 per 1,000, is 83% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a persistent challenge in addressing violence and sexual offences. These shifts underscore the need for targeted interventions during peak holiday periods, when both opportunities for crime and community engagement may fluctuate.

Preston's crime rate in December 2025 rose to 14.4 per 1,000 residents, a 3.8% increase from 13.8 per 1,000 in November. This places the city significantly above the UK average, which remains at 7.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Preston recorded approximately 43 crimes each day in December, a figure that reflects both the city's population density and seasonal pressures. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 70 residents, a ratio that underscores the frequency of incidents in a built-up area. While this monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, the comparison is not directly quantifiable at the daily level due to regional differences in reporting and population distribution. The increase in violent crime, particularly violence and sexual offences, may partly explain the overall rise. Residents should note that this rate, while concerning, is consistent with historical patterns during the winter months when public spaces see increased use during holiday events and darker evenings.