A county-wide survey of more than 4,800 women and girls has found that 93 per cent of respondents in Lancashire avoid streets or areas they consider unsafe. The findings, reported in early 2026, show that almost all women in the county have altered their routines to avoid potential danger.
The results show that a significant majority of those surveyed are concerned about safety in public spaces. Additionally, 88 per cent of women reported that they cross the street to avoid men or groups of men.
According to Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, the study was launched to help officials understand safety concerns and incidents that are not always reported to the police. This research, part of the ‘Get the Message’ campaign, is intended to provide the Lancashire Constabulary with information to help improve policing and tackle violence against women and girls.
The high percentage of women taking precautions highlights a major issue across Lancashire, including in Lancaster. Local authorities are expected to use these results to address the gap between crimes that are recorded and the actual daily experiences of women and girls in public spaces.
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