Blackburn Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Blackburn’s crime rate in February 2026 was 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.4% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the built-up area, which consistently reports higher-than-average levels of violent and property crimes. The most common offences were violence and sexual offences (40% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.9%) and criminal damage and arson (9%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and residential areas, where community tensions and property-related disputes may contribute to the elevated rates. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely influences the types of crimes reported. For example, the high proportion of anti-social behaviour may be exacerbated by indoor gatherings and reduced community engagement during colder weather. Meanwhile, the prevalence of criminal damage and arson could reflect targeted issues in public spaces or areas with transient populations. The area’s crime profile, while concerning, provides a clear framework for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing violent offences and anti-social conduct that affect local residents.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft and possession of weapons, both doubling from previous month figures. Bicycle theft rose from one to two incidents, while possession of weapons increased from five to ten—a 100% surge in both categories. These spikes stand out against a backdrop of declines in burglary, anti-social behaviour, and drug-related offences. The drop in burglary, which fell by 30.3% from 33 to 23 incidents, may reflect seasonal factors or improved security measures in residential areas. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 27.3%, from 176 to 128 cases, suggesting a possible reduction in community tensions or temporary changes in policing focus. Violence and sexual offences remained 38% above the UK average, while burglary was 20% below. For residents, the doubling of bicycle theft highlights a specific risk that may warrant increased awareness or infrastructure improvements in winter months.

Blackburn's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a 2.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.1. This small decline follows a pattern of fluctuation seen in prior months, though the area remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, 35 crimes were reported across the 28 days of February, reflecting the local rhythm of activity in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 126 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents in a community of 124,917 people. While the rate is higher than the UK average, the slight month-on-month reduction may indicate temporary shifts in behaviour or policing efforts. The population-scaled perspective shows that Blackburn’s crime burden is unevenly distributed compared to the national average, with certain categories like violence and sexual offences far exceeding expectations. This comparison highlights both the challenges and the potential for targeted interventions in specific areas of concern.