Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen experiences an overall crime rate of 120.1 per 1,000 residents annually, resulting in a safety score of 73 out of 100. When compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 and an average safety score of 78, Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate is higher than the national average, with a slightly lower safety score. The area's crime trends have remained relatively stable over the past year, showing a 2.6% increase. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime patterns and safety in the area.

About Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen, a unitary authority in Lancashire, is characterised by a blend of urban, suburban, and semi-rural environments. Its primary urban centres, Blackburn and Darwen, are historically industrial towns with diverse populations. Blackburn, in particular, serves as a significant commercial and retail hub, featuring various shopping areas, businesses, and a bustling town centre. The presence of major transport links, including the M65 motorway and railway connections, contributes to a transient population and increased activity, particularly in and around transport hubs. These urban characteristics, coupled with population density in the main towns, can influence crime statistics. While the area has seen regeneration efforts, socio-economic factors associated with former industrial areas can also play a role in crime rates. The combination of commercial activity, residential areas, and transport infrastructure creates a dynamic environment that contributes to the overall crime rate and safety score observed in Blackburn with Darwen.

Crime Type Analysis

The most prevalent crime types in Blackburn with Darwen are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 33.2% of all reported crimes, with 6,483 incidents, equating to 39.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, making up 29.1% of crimes with 5,675 reported incidents (34.9 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson contribute 6.9% of the total, with 1,342 incidents (8.3 per 1,000).

Focusing on property-related crime, Blackburn with Darwen reports a rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents, which is very close to the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses burglary (3.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.8 per 1,000), other theft (6.1 per 1,000), shoplifting (7.1 per 1,000), robbery (0.9 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (8.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of robust security measures to protect against a range of property-related offences, particularly given that property crime rates align closely with the national picture.

Crime Trends in Blackburn with Darwen

Over the past year, Blackburn with Darwen has experienced a stable crime trend, with a 2.6% increase in overall crime rates year-over-year. Analysing the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw lower points in December 2024 (8.6), January 2025 (9.0), February 2025 (8.9), and September 2025 (9.1), suggesting a slight dip in criminal activity during the colder months or end of the reporting period. Conversely, higher crime rates were observed in October 2024 (10.7), March 2025 (10.6), May 2025 (11.0), July 2025 (10.9), and August 2025 (11.0). This pattern indicates a tendency for crime to increase during the spring and summer months, a common seasonal trend. For residents, this stable yet slightly increasing trend suggests a need for continued vigilance and awareness of seasonal crime patterns.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it's helpful to compare Blackburn with Darwen to its neighbouring areas. While specific crime rates for each are not detailed here, Blackburn with Darwen sits within a network of communities including Hyndburn, Chorley, Bolton, Rossendale, Bury, and Burnley. Understanding the local landscape is crucial for residents and those considering moving to the area. For instance, areas with larger urban centres might exhibit different crime profiles compared to more suburban or rural neighbours. Blackburn with Darwen, as a unitary authority encompassing both urban and semi-rural elements, will have a unique blend of crime challenges that may differ from a purely residential borough like Chorley, or a larger metropolitan area such as Bolton or Bury. This regional overview helps to contextualise Blackburn with Darwen's crime statistics within the broader Lancashire and Greater Manchester region.

Protecting Your Property in Blackburn with Darwen

Given Blackburn with Darwen's property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents, which is in line with the national average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording system rather than a preventative one. Similarly, many DIY systems offer after-the-fact notifications, leaving you to respond once an incident is already in progress.

For those seeking genuine protection, a professional-grade solution like scOS offers a distinct advantage. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Its proactive approach means AI detects threats at your property boundary, rather than waiting for a break-in. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots, and can even verify vehicles using DVLA data to catch fake plates instantly. By learning your family's routines, scOS only alerts on real threats, avoiding false alarms. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS initiates an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to destroy the element of surprise, often causing burglars to move on within the critical 60 seconds they typically take to decide. Opting for a professional system like scOS positions your property with a clear deterrent, signalling serious protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.