Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate

Blackburn with Darwen is a major unitary authority in Lancashire, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy urban and commercial hub. The overall crime rate stands at 118.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 74/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Blackburn with Darwen is currently stable, with a minor 0.1% increase year-over-year. This indicates a consistent security environment, though the higher-than-average crime rate suggests that residents should be proactive about their personal and property security. While the area faces challenges typical of larger urban centres, particularly in categories like violence and anti-social behaviour, it remains a core part of the Lancashire community.

Blackburn with Darwen is a unitary authority in Lancashire with a strong industrial heritage. The area is dominated by the large urban centres of Blackburn and Darwen, which feature a mix of high-density residential areas, commercial cores, and manufacturing zones. Its location along the M65 corridor makes it a significant regional transport hub, which influences the movement of people and, by extension, crime patterns. The borough's demographics are diverse, with a young population and areas of significant socio-economic challenge, which can correlate with higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Major activities in the area include a thriving retail sector and ongoing urban regeneration projects. These urban characteristics, combined with the presence of busy night-time economy zones, contribute to the area's overall crime rate and safety profile. The transient population associated with its commercial and transport infrastructure also plays a role in the local statistics.

In Blackburn with Darwen, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences (33.4%), anti-social behaviour (28.9%), and criminal damage and arson (6.6%). These top categories reflect a mix of personal and community-based issues common in urban environments. Property-related crime is a significant factor, with a combined rate of 31.8 per 1,000 residents. This includes shoplifting (5.9%), vehicle crime (5.4%), and other theft (5.1%). Burglary accounts for 2.4% of total crime, with a rate of 2.8 per 1,000. For residents and business owners, this means that while personal safety and community order are major focuses, the protection of property from opportunistic theft and damage is also a constant requirement. The relatively high rate of vehicle crime and shoplifting suggests that both private vehicles and commercial premises are frequent targets, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Blackburn with Darwen is currently stable, with a minor 0.1% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 8.6 and 11.0 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in May and August (both 11.0), while the lowest rates were seen in December 2024 (8.6) and January 2025 (9.0). This lack of significant escalation suggests a predictable security environment. For residents, this stability is reassuring, as it indicates that crime levels are not rising uncontrollably. However, the consistent nature of the data also means that the existing risks, particularly around violence and anti-social behaviour, remain constant factors that should be addressed through steady and proactive security measures. The slight upward trend suggests that community vigilance remains important.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Blackburn with Darwen's reported crime rate of 118.5 per 1,000 appears higher than areas like Hyndburn, Chorley, Bolton, Rossendale, Bury, and Burnley, which all recorded 0.0 in this specific data period. However, it is important to note that Blackburn with Darwen is a major urban and industrial centre, and these comparisons often reflect differences in reporting or specific local data spikes. In the broader regional context of Lancashire and the North West, Blackburn with Darwen's crime levels are typical for a borough of its population density and economic activity. For those considering the region, it provides a stable urban environment with safety scores that are competitive with many other metropolitan areas.

With a property crime rate of 31.8 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Blackburn with Darwen should prioritise effective security. Property-related offences, including shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary, make up a significant portion of the local crime data. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—they record footage of a crime but do nothing to stop it. For real protection in Blackburn with Darwen, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audible warnings. This 'prevention-first' model is particularly effective against opportunistic crimes like vehicle theft or shoplifting in commercial areas. By deterring an intruder before they act, scOS ensures that your property is actively defended, providing a level of security that traditional CCTV simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI technology is the most effective way to safeguard your home or business.

How To Keep Safe in Blackburn with Darwen

The most frequent crime type in Blackburn with Darwen is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to maintain personal awareness, especially when in busy areas like the Blackburn Town Centre or near transport hubs. If you are out walking alone, try to stick to well-lit, populated routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a major concern, accounting for 28.9% of total crime. Residents are encouraged to report any persistent issues to the local council or police to help target resources effectively. For property security, ensure that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Criminal damage is relatively frequent, so consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property to deter vandals. For vehicle security, never leave valuables on display and always ensure your car is locked, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can be an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbours, helping to maintain the area's overall safety standards.