Longton Crime Rate

Longton presents an exceptionally high safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area a safety score of 91/100. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Longton is stable, showing a minimal year-over-year change of 0.5%. This consistency suggests a reliable environment for residents and businesses alike. While no area is entirely without incident, Longton's statistics position it as one of the safer urban settlements within the South Ribble Local Authority, offering a secure context for both homeowners and visitors.

Longton's crime profile is primarily defined by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 36.1% of all incidents, followed closely by violence and sexual offences at 33.0%. Other theft makes up the third most significant category at 6.5%. When examining property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate stands at 8.8 per 1,000 residents. While this is notably lower than the national average, it remains a consideration for local homeowners. For residents, this data suggests that while serious property breaches are relatively infrequent, maintaining vigilance regarding peripheral security and community-based reporting of anti-social activity is beneficial for maintaining the area's high safety standards.

Crime trends in Longton are currently characterised as stable, with a minor 0.5% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data shows some fluctuation, with crime rates peaking in June (4.6 per 1,000) and April (4.3 per 1,000). Conversely, the lowest activity was recorded in February and October, both seeing rates of 2.3 per 1,000. These fluctuations are relatively small in absolute terms, suggesting no significant underlying shift in the area's safety. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, reflecting a consistent policing environment and a community that has successfully maintained its low-crime status. The lack of a strong upward or downward trajectory means that current security measures and community vigilance are largely effective, though the seasonal peaks in spring and early summer suggest that awareness should remain high during these busier months.

How To Keep Safe in Longton

The most prevalent issue in Longton is anti-social behaviour, accounting for over a third of local reports. To maintain your personal safety and contribute to the community's security, consider these practical steps:

1. Active Reporting: Always report incidents of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Consistent reporting helps police allocate resources effectively to the specific streets where issues occur.
2. Boundary Reinforcement: Ensure your property boundaries are well-defined. Visible deterrents and clear demarcations can discourage loitering near residential entrances.
3. Community Engagement: Join or support local Neighbourhood Watch schemes. In a close-knit area like Longton, community vigilance is one of the most effective tools against persistent low-level disruption.
4. Target Hardening: While burglary is low, ensure your home security is modern. Use smart lighting to give the impression of occupancy during evening hours when anti-social activity typically increases.
5. Vehicle Vigilance: Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, particularly during the night when vehicle-related incidents are more likely to occur.

The temporal distribution of crime in Longton reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 50% and 53% of crimes respectively. This likely aligns with retail activity and transit times within the settlement. As the day transitions into the evening, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, with the 'Other' category rising to 51%. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall volume is lower, the proportion of vehicle crime (29%) and burglary (22%) reaches its peak. This suggests that while daytime risks are largely related to opportunistic theft in public or commercial spaces, the night-time risk is more specifically targeted at unattended properties and vehicles. Residents should ensure that high-value assets are secured before dusk to mitigate these specific night-time trends.

When comparing Longton to its immediate neighbours, the contrast is notable. Hutton (South Ribble) has a significantly higher crime rate at 94.6 per 1,000 people, making Longton a much quieter alternative. Conversely, very small nearby settlements like Little Hoole Moss Houses, Midge Hall, and New Gate reported zero crimes per 1,000 residents, though these areas have much smaller populations and fewer commercial activities. For those seeking a balance between urban convenience and high safety, Longton serves as a premier choice in the South Ribble region, providing a more secure environment than the larger local hubs while maintaining more activity than the surrounding hamlets.

In an area like Longton, where property crime rates are relatively low at 8.8 per 1,000, homeowners often fall into the trap of reactive security. Traditional CCTV or doorbell cameras are common, but they primarily serve to record a crime after it has occurred. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is the superior choice. The scOS AI-powered operating system transforms standard security into an active defence. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary, not your front door. It distinguishes between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, activating autonomous responses like integrated lighting and speakers to deter intruders before they can act. In a neighbourhood where burglars often look for the easiest target, the visible presence of professional-grade, AI-driven security like scOS signals that your property is not a viable option. Moving from simple recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to safeguard your home in Longton.