Blackburn Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2025, Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen) recorded 1,203 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents — 29.7% above the UK average of 7.4. This rate translates to approximately 0.96 crimes per 100 residents, a figure that underscores the significant burden of crime in a built-up area with a population of 124,917. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (27.4%) and shoplifting (7.2%). These patterns align with Blackburn’s character as a mixed urban area with a history of industrial decline and a growing student population. The dominance of violent crime may be consistent with the area’s demographic profile, where social tensions and economic pressures can contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour, which is 122% above the UK average, likely reflects the influence of high-density housing and public spaces that can become hubs for disruptive activity. Shoplifting, while lower than anti-social behaviour, remains a persistent issue, possibly driven by the presence of retail outlets in the town centre. The seasonal context of September — the start of the academic year — may further exacerbate these trends, as students return to the area and local businesses adjust to increased foot traffic. However, the overall rate of 9.6 per 1,000 is a stark reminder that Blackburn’s crime profile remains higher than the national average, necessitating targeted interventions to address the root causes of these disparities.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Blackburn. Anti-social behaviour, which had previously been the most reported category, decreased by 26.7% compared to August, dropping from 450 to 330 incidents. This decline may reflect seasonal factors, such as the transition from summer to autumn, which could reduce informal gatherings in public spaces. Conversely, drug-related crimes increased by 20.8%, rising from 24 to 29 cases. This uptick aligns with the start of the academic year, a period often associated with increased substance use among students. Public order offences also rose by 17.5%, linked to the return of university students and the associated social activities. Meanwhile, bicycle theft plummeted by 80%, from 10 to 2 incidents, due to improved security measures or a reduction in bike usage during cooler weather. These changes illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Blackburn, influenced by both local and seasonal factors.

The crime rate in Blackburn for September 2025 stood at 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 15.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.4. This reduction suggests a potential shift in local dynamics, though the absolute number of crimes remains high. On a daily basis, Blackburn saw approximately 40 crimes reported each day, underscoring the persistent need for community vigilance. When scaled to the population of 124,917, the monthly exposure translates to roughly one reported crime for every 104 residents. This figure highlights the frequency of incidents within a short timeframe, even as the overall rate shows a downward trend. While the decline is notable, the daily crime count remains a tangible reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety. The population context further emphasizes that even a modest rate can equate to significant numbers in a densely populated built-up area like Blackburn.