Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) Crime Rate

Blackburn is a major urban settlement within the Blackburn with Darwen borough, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy commercial and residential centre. The overall crime rate stands at 123.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 73/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Blackburn is currently stable, with a minor 0.3% 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's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences (33.0%), anti-social behaviour (28.7%), and shoplifting (6.6%). These top categories reflect a mix of personal and commercial-based issues common in major urban centres. Property-related crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 33.3 per 1,000 residents. This includes shoplifting (8.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (7.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.5 per 1,000), and burglary (2.7 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 shoplifting and vehicle crime suggests that both commercial premises and private vehicles are frequent targets, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Blackburn is currently stable, with a minor 0.3% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 8.8 and 11.4 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in May, July, and August (all 11.4), while the lowest rates were seen in December 2024 (8.8) and January/February 2025 (both 9.3). 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.

How To Keep Safe in Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen)

The most frequent crime type in Blackburn 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 28.7% 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. Shoplifting is relatively frequent, so business owners should consider robust internal and external security measures. 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.

Crime in Blackburn exhibits clear temporal patterns. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 42% and 48% of crimes respectively. This likely reflects activity in commercial areas or shoplifting from town centre retailers. As evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the profile shifts, with general 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 50% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 49% of all recorded offences, and burglary reaches 13%. These trends suggest that while daytime crime is often opportunistic and retail-based, the night-time hours present a specific risk to vehicles, making secure parking and proactive boundary monitoring essential for residents during the late hours.

In the local context, Blackburn has a higher crime rate than many of its more residential neighbours. Its rate of 123.0 per 1,000 is higher than Rishton (115.0) and Darwen (117.7), and significantly higher than the rural Osbaldeston (0.0). However, it is very similar to Oswaldtwistle (124.4). For those considering the region, Blackburn offers the amenities of a large town but with a more active crime profile than the surrounding suburban areas. Its safety score of 73/100 highlights its performance as a busy urban centre within the wider Lancashire region, where crime levels are often higher than in rural districts.

With a property crime rate of 33.3 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Blackburn 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, 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 in Blackburn.