Longton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Longton's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 53.1% below the UK average of 6.4. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area's consistently lower crime profile, which may be influenced by its character as a built-up area within South Ribble. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all recorded crimes. This rate—1.5 per 1,000 residents—is 35% below the UK average for this category, suggesting a combination of local factors such as community cohesion, effective policing, or the area's demographic composition. Anti-social behaviour followed, making up 20.6% of total crimes, with a rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents—34% below the UK average. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may contribute to these patterns. For instance, reduced foot traffic in public spaces could lower opportunities for certain crimes, while the colder weather might limit outdoor activities that could lead to disputes. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences, despite the overall low rate, raises questions about localized risk factors. These could include the area's proximity to major transport hubs, the presence of transient populations, or the influence of nearby urban centers. The low rates for shoplifting (83% below UK average) and other theft (52% below) further underscore the area's distinct crime profile, which appears to diverge from typical urban patterns. This data reinforces the need to consider both geographical and social factors when analyzing crime trends in Longton, rather than relying solely on national averages.

February 2026 marked a 100% increase in public order crimes, rising from 0 to 2 incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with a 12.5% decrease in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 8 to 7 cases. The category of violence and sexual offences—accounting for 50% of all crimes—remained 35% below the UK average, a gap that aligns with the area's lower overall crime rate. Similarly, anti-social behaviour (34% below UK average) and shoplifting (83% below UK average) reflect a pattern of consistently lower rates for these categories. For residents, the 100% increase in public order crimes may signal a need for heightened awareness in communal spaces. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted slightly, with violent crimes making up 50% of the total, compared to 20.6% for anti-social behaviour. These changes, while modest, warrant attention in the context of the broader trend of Longton's crime profile remaining well below national averages.

Longton's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 42.0% compared to the previous month, moving from 2.1 to 3.0 per 1,000 residents. While this increase may reflect seasonal fluctuations or localized factors, the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average. Locally, this translates to roughly one reported crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that appears stable in comparison to historical trends for the area. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure—1 crime for every 332 residents—places Longton in a safer position relative to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it illustrates the low likelihood of encountering crime in everyday interactions. The shift from the previous month may also be contextualized within the broader pattern of winter crime trends, where reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could influence reporting patterns or actual incident rates. However, the exact drivers of this month-on-month change remain unclear without additional data on local events or interventions.