Prees Crime Rate

Prees is a peaceful urban settlement in Shropshire with an overall crime rate of 47.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, resulting in a strong safety score of 87/100. Despite its safe reputation, the area has seen a 10.7% increase in reported crime year-over-year. With a population of approximately 1,745, Prees offers a secure community environment where property crime is particularly low. The following data analysis breaks down the specific types of crime reported and identifies the patterns of activity throughout the day, helping residents understand their local safety landscape.

In Prees, the majority of reported crimes fall into the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 55.4% of all incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 24.1% of reports, followed by criminal damage and arson at 6.0%.

Property crime in Prees, including burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, is notably low with a combined rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 32.2. Burglary, other theft, and vehicle crime each represent a small percentage of total activity, with burglary and other theft both at 3.6%. While these figures are low, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary indicates that opportunistic property offences still occur. For residents, this suggests a safe overall environment where basic security measures remain effective at deterring the relatively infrequent property-related incidents.

Prees has seen a 10.7% increase in crime year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 shows considerable fluctuation. The year began with a rate of 5.7 per 1,000 in January, followed by a very quiet February. Activity peaked in October at 8.0 per 1,000, with other notable highs in April and November (both 6.3). These spikes indicate that crime in Prees is not evenly distributed throughout the year but tends to occur in clusters. Despite these fluctuations, the overall crime rate remains low, though the increasing trend suggests a need for continued community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Prees

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Prees. While the village is safe, residents can take proactive steps to ensure their personal safety.

1. Always stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone in the evening. Avoid being distracted by your phone or wearing headphones in quieter areas.
2. When out at night, try to stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit or isolated footpaths.
3. If you are attending social gatherings, plan your journey home in advance and consider sharing your location with a friend or family member.
4. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in a situation or notice suspicious behaviour, move to a well-lit, populated area immediately.
5. Given the prevalence of vehicle crime at night, ensure your car is always locked, parked in a well-lit area, and that no valuables are left on display.

Crime in Prees follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent concern, accounting for 30% to 34% of reports as the village goes about its daily business. As the day ends, the risk of property crime shifts. Burglary is most likely in the afternoon (24%) and at night (22%). Most notably, vehicle crime spikes significantly during the night-time hours between midnight and 6am, where it accounts for 35% of all reported incidents. This suggests that while daytime risks are more related to theft in public spaces, the night-time poses a specific threat to vehicles parked outside residential properties.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Prees has a higher crime rate (47.6 per 1,000) than Prees Higher Heath (23.8) and Tilstock, which reported no crimes. However, it is notably safer than the nearby larger towns of Wem (62.4) and Whitchurch (76.7). This positions Prees as a secure residential option for those who want to be near larger amenities while enjoying the lower crime levels of a smaller settlement. It provides a balance between the extreme quiet of rural hamlets and the higher activity levels of Shropshire's major towns.

With a property crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000, Prees is a low-risk area for burglary and theft. However, the 10.7% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should not become complacent. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive, only alerting you once someone is already on your property or has broken in. For true peace of mind, a proactive system like scOS is more effective. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying threats before they escalate. By using autonomous responses such as light and sound, it can deter potential burglars or car thieves before they even touch your property. This proactive approach is especially valuable at night, when vehicle crime in Prees reaches its peak of 35% of reported incidents.