Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Blackburn with Darwen, covering the period of January to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 123.2 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Blackburn with Darwen above the national average in terms of recorded crime. The safety score for the area is 73 out of 100, again lower than the UK average of 79. While crime rates have remained relatively stable year-on-year, showing a slight increase of 0.9%, understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in the area is crucial for residents and local authorities alike. This overview provides a detailed analysis of these trends and offers practical advice for staying safe.

Blackburn with Darwen's crime statistics for the period of January to December 2025 reveal a concerning pattern, with violence and sexual offences accounting for the largest proportion of reported incidents. A total of 5117 crimes in this category were recorded, representing 33.3% of all reported offences and a rate of 41.0 per 1,000 residents. Following closely behind is anti-social behaviour, with 4397 incidents reported, or 28.6% of the total. Shoplifting contributes significantly as well, with 979 crimes, representing 6.4% of all incidents. Criminal damage and arson are also prevalent, with 974 recorded crimes. The prevalence of these specific crimes likely reflects the area’s population density, its role as a commercial and residential hub, and the associated challenges of maintaining order and addressing social issues. Factors such as socioeconomic conditions and the availability of community resources may also influence these trends.

Crime rates in Blackburn with Darwen have remained relatively stable between January 2025 and December 2025, exhibiting a slight increase of 0.9% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks in crime rates observed in March (10.7 per 1,000), May (11.4 per 1,000), July (11.4 per 1,000) and August (11.4 per 1,000). Lower rates were recorded in September (9.6 per 1,000) and November (9.5 per 1,000). This minor upward trend suggests that while significant changes are not occurring, consistent vigilance and targeted preventative measures remain crucial for maintaining public safety.

How To Keep Safe in Blackburn

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Blackburn, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Due to the high number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour, be mindful of your belongings in public spaces. Keep valuables out of sight and be prepared to report any suspicious activity. Shoplifting is also a concern, so be vigilant in retail environments and report any suspicious behaviour to store staff. Finally, given the risk of vehicle crime, ensure your vehicle is securely locked and parked in a well-lit area whenever possible.

Criminal activity in Blackburn demonstrates distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are more likely to occur in the afternoon (14%) and night (13%) compared to the morning, while vehicle crime is significantly higher during the night (48%). Theft is most prevalent during commercial hours in the afternoon (49%). Violence tends to be concentrated in the evening (18%) and night (9%), particularly on weekends. These patterns suggest that targeted preventative measures and increased patrols during peak risk times could be effective in reducing crime.

When comparing Blackburn with Darwen to neighbouring areas, crime rates vary considerably. Rishton reports a rate of 114.2 per 1,000, while Osbaldeston enjoys a significantly lower rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Oswaldtwistle has a rate of 125.9 per 1,000, closely mirroring Blackburn's, and Darwen reports a rate of 118.4 per 1,000. These differences highlight the localised nature of crime patterns and the importance of understanding specific area characteristics.

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