Preston Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a combination of trends in Preston's crime profile, with the overall rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents remaining 90.6% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure highlights the persistent challenges faced by a built-up area with a population of 92,693, where crime remains significantly higher than national norms. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (417 incidents, 36.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (178 incidents, 15.7%) and shoplifting (114 incidents, 10.0%). These patterns align with Preston's character as a major urban centre with a mix of retail, industrial, and residential areas. The winter month context may have contributed to the dominance of violent crime, as lower outdoor activity could have concentrated interactions in indoor spaces. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting (up 81% from January) suggests additional factors at play, linked to seasonal retail patterns or specific policing shifts. The UK comparison for violence and sexual offences (94% above average) underscores the need for targeted interventions, while the 109% above average rate for anti-social behaviour may reflect the area's dense urban fabric. These figures, combined with the 71% above average rate for vehicle crime, illustrate a crime profile shaped by both local demographics and broader national trends.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+81%, from 63 to 114 incidents) and possession of weapons (+14.3%, from 21 to 24 cases), both of which are 107% and 329% above UK averages respectively. This surge in shoplifting may partly explain the rise in property crimes, which now account for 33.7% of total crimes, a shift from the previous month's balance. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50% (from 12 to 6 incidents), a decline consistent with reduced outdoor activity during winter. The most alarming UK comparison lies in possession of weapons, where the rate is 329% above the national average. For residents, the 81% jump in shoplifting suggests heightened vigilance in retail areas, particularly in the town centre where 40% of all crimes occur. This trend contrasts with the 30% drop in 'other crime' incidents, which may reflect seasonal patterns or improved policing focus.

Preston's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 8.2% compared to January 2026, dropping from 13.3 to 12.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of a pre-spring lull. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 41 crimes per day, with the most striking figure being the monthly exposure: over the course of February, one crime was reported for roughly every 82 residents. This ratio underscores the persistent challenge of crime in a built-up area with a population of 92,693. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 12.2 per 1,000 rate means that every resident faces a 1.22% chance of being directly affected by crime in a given year. While the month-on-month drop suggests a temporary easing, the overall rate remains far above national benchmarks, highlighting the need for sustained attention to local factors.