Blackburn Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) recorded a crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.3% above the UK average of 7.5. This urban area, characterized by its mix of residential and commercial zones, continues to grapple with higher-than-average crime levels, particularly in violent and anti-social categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (25.1%) and shoplifting (11.7%). These figures align with the seasonal context of November, a time marked by darker evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping, all of which may contribute to increased public order challenges. The dominance of anti-social behaviour—2.4 per 1,000, 129% above the UK average—suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-density areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting, though lower than anti-social behaviour, still exceeded the UK average by 100%, potentially reflecting the impact of retail activity during the holiday season. The overall crime rate, while above the national average, showed a slight decline from October, indicating that local efforts to address key issues may be yielding results. However, the persistent gap between Blackburn’s crime rate and the UK average underscores the need for continued investment in community policing and crime prevention strategies tailored to the area’s unique dynamics.

November saw a significant 55.6% increase in public order offences, rising from 45 to 70 incidents. This surge, likely linked to Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, contrasts with a sharp 83.3% drop in theft from the person, which fell from six to one incident. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 14.6%, possibly reflecting increased holiday travel or changes in parking patterns. The area’s violent crime rate—2.9 per 1,000—remained 12% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in addressing violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.4 per 1,000, was 129% above the UK average, a figure that may be exacerbated by the town’s dense urban environment and seasonal social dynamics. Conversely, burglary fell by 26.4% compared to October, a decline that could be attributed to heightened police presence or improved community awareness. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal events and local policing strategies.

Blackburn's crime rate in November 2023 fell by 11.1% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.6 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in late autumn, when seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and reduced shopping activity may influence criminal behaviour. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 39 crimes per day in November, a figure that, while consistent with prior months, reflects the ongoing challenges of urban policing. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 106 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the need for sustained community engagement and resource allocation. When considering Blackburn’s population of 124,917, the crime rate remains higher than the UK average, though the downward trend suggests progress in addressing local concerns. This context highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to Blackburn’s specific needs, such as targeted anti-social behaviour initiatives or enhanced street lighting in high-risk areas.