Longton Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated Longton’s crime profile in December 2024, accounting for 36.8% of all reported incidents — a figure that underscores its role as the most prevalent category in the area. With 14 cases recorded, this type of crime outpaced both violent and property-related offences, which each contributed 26.3% and 7.9% respectively. The overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents places Longton significantly below the UK average of 7.1, a gap of 52.1%. This stark contrast suggests that the built-up area within South Ribble maintains a safer environment compared to the national context, though the seasonal dynamics of December — including dark evenings and increased social activity — likely influenced the distribution of crimes. The dominance of anti-social behaviour, which is often tied to urban environments with high population density, aligns with Longton’s status as a built-up area. However, the relatively low rates of violent crime — particularly the 65% reduction compared to the UK average — indicate that community cohesion and policing strategies may be effective in mitigating more severe incidents. The category of violence and sexual offences, at 10 cases, remains well below the UK average, suggesting that the area’s crime profile is shaped more by low-level disturbances than by high-risk criminal activity. This pattern is consistent with the characteristics of a smaller, more tightly-knit built-up area, where social norms and local governance may play a stronger role in crime prevention.

December saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour declining by 41.7% compared to November, despite the festive season’s usual challenges. This reduction, from 24 to 14 incidents, suggests that local efforts — such as community patrols or holiday events — may have contributed to the drop. Conversely, drugs-related crimes doubled, with one incident reported, marking a stark increase from zero in November. This uptick aligns with the seasonal context of increased social gatherings and potential illicit activity. Public order and robbery also rose by 100%, both reaching two incidents. These increases, while small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened police visibility or temporary spikes in alcohol-related incidents during the party season. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 50%, due to fewer vehicles on the road during the holiday period or improved security measures. The category of other theft also decreased. These fluctuations illustrate how seasonal factors can influence crime trends, even in areas with historically low rates.

Longton’s crime rate in December 2024 fell by 20.9% compared to November, reflecting a continued decline in reported incidents. With 38 crimes recorded over the month, this equates to roughly one crime per day — a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low level of criminal activity compared to the UK average. On a monthly basis, the rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents means that over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 297 residents. This monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, which highlights Longton’s status as a safer built-up area within South Ribble. The population-scaled perspective further reinforces this: with 11,301 residents, the number of crimes remains well below the threshold that would suggest significant community concern. The drop in anti-social behaviour — a category that typically spikes during festive periods — suggests that local initiatives or seasonal factors may have played a role in curbing such incidents. This downward trend, combined with the low daily crime count, illustrates an area where crime remains a rare occurrence, even during the busiest parts of the year.