Preston Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Preston's crime rate in September 2025 reached 15.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 109.5% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the area, which has historically faced higher-than-average crime levels. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (27.1%) and shoplifting (7.4%). These patterns align with Preston's character as a mid-sized urban centre with a mix of retail hubs and densely populated residential areas. Violence and sexual offences remain high compared to the UK average, with rates 90% above the national benchmark. This may reflect the area's proximity to major transport links and the presence of late-night venues, which can contribute to concentrated incidents. Anti-social behaviour also dominates, likely tied to the area's social dynamics and seasonal transitions as university students return for the academic year. Shoplifting, while lower in absolute terms, is 80% above the UK average, pointing to targeted retail theft in Preston's high streets. The data highlights a combination of local demographics, infrastructure, and seasonal factors that shape crime trends.

September 2025 saw notable declines in several crime categories, including anti-social behaviour (-19.6%), robbery (-23.5%), and other crime (-25.0%). These reductions may reflect the easing of summer-related pressures and the start of the academic year, which could have shifted community activity patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 58.2%, rising from 55 to 87 incidents, linked to increased traffic during the return to school and university. Possession of weapons also rose sharply by 26.7%, from 15 to 19 cases, a concerning trend that may require further attention. Theft from the person increased by 25.0%, though it remains below the UK average. The breakdown reveals stark disparities compared to national figures: violence and sexual offences are 90% above the UK average, anti-social behaviour is 259% higher, and shoplifting is 80% above. These figures suggest that Preston's crime profile is significantly shaped by its urban density and the concentration of commercial activity, which may contribute to higher rates of property and public order offences. For residents, the drop in anti-social behaviour could indicate a positive shift in community engagement or policing strategies.

Preston's crime rate in September 2025 decreased slightly by 3.1% from the previous month's 16.0 per 1,000 to 15.5 per 1,000. This monthly change, while modest, may reflect seasonal adjustments as the area transitions from summer to autumn. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 48 crimes per day in September, a figure that illustrates the constant presence of criminal activity in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 64 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a population of 92,693. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, which is not provided for this metric. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the rate of 15.5 per 1,000 residents means that over 1,400 crimes are reported annually, a significant burden for the local community. The comparison to the previous month and the UK average underscores the need for sustained efforts to address crime in Preston, particularly in areas where rates remain persistently elevated. These statistics also serve as a reminder of the importance of community-based initiatives and targeted policing in managing crime trends effectively.