Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) Crime Rate

Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) presents a complex picture regarding crime rates. With a rate of 122.0 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, Blackburn’s crime statistics are considerably higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. This elevated level of crime, coupled with a safety score of 73/100, suggests a need for heightened vigilance and proactive safety measures. While some crime categories have seen minor fluctuations, the overall trend remains relatively stable, with a slight increase of 0.1% year-on-year, indicating persistent challenges for the community. Understanding these trends is crucial for residents and potential newcomers alike.

Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) exhibits a concerning crime profile, with Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent at 5111 incidents annually, representing 40.9 crimes per 1,000 residents – 33.5% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour follows closely with 4293 reported incidents (34.4 per 1,000), a staggering 132% above the national average. Criminal damage and arson account for 976 crimes, standing at 7.8 per 1,000, exceeding the UK average by 6.4%. Overall, property crime in Blackburn is concerning, with a rate of 32.7 per 1,000, reflecting a significant challenge for the community. The combination of these high-incidence crimes contributes to a lower overall safety score of 73/100, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and community engagement.

Crime in Blackburn has remained relatively stable year-on-year, showing a minimal change of 0.1%. While this suggests a degree of consistency, it's important to note that individual crime categories exhibit varying trends. For example, bicycle theft has increased significantly (48.4%), while burglaries have decreased (22.7%). Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with May 2025 experiencing the highest crime rate (11.4 per 1,000) and January 2026 the lowest (8.1 per 1,000), highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Blackburn

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to remain vigilant. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours. Secondly, consider installing a visible security system, such as scOS, to deter potential criminals. Thirdly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and secure, especially during the darker months.

Crime patterns in Blackburn reveal distinct trends throughout the day. While burglaries tend to occur more frequently during the afternoon, theft is most common during commercial hours. Vehicle crime is particularly concentrated during overnight hours (11pm-6am). Violence and sexual offences are more prevalent in the evening hours (6pm-12am). These patterns suggest targeted safety measures should be implemented during peak risk times.

Comparing crime rates with neighbouring local authorities reveals varying levels of risk. Rishton, situated nearby, exhibits a slightly lower crime rate of 111.8 per 1,000 residents, offering a marginally safer environment. However, Oswaldtwistle presents a higher crime rate of 125.9 per 1,000, demonstrating that crime levels fluctuate across the region. Understanding these comparisons can inform decisions about personal safety and community awareness.

Traditional CCTV systems primarily record events, offering limited proactive protection. Systems like scOS offer a different approach. By utilising AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS proactively detects threats at the property boundary, preventing incidents before they occur. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises family members and deliveries, minimizing false alarms. This proactive stance, combined with visible deterrents, can significantly reduce the likelihood of criminal activity, particularly relevant given Blackburn's high rates of violence and vehicle crime.