Darwen Crime Rate

Darwen is a significant urban settlement within the Blackburn with Darwen borough, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy residential and commercial centre. The overall crime rate stands at 117.7 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 73/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Darwen is currently stable, with a minor 2.7% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent security environment, though the higher-than-average crime rate suggests that residents should be proactive about their personal and property security. While the area faces challenges typical of larger urban centres, particularly in categories like violence and anti-social behaviour, it remains a core part of the Lancashire community.

Darwen's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences (36.9%), anti-social behaviour (29.8%), and criminal damage and arson (8.3%). These top categories reflect a mix of personal and community-based issues common in urban environments. Property-related crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 28.6 per 1,000 residents. This includes criminal damage (9.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.6 per 1,000), other theft (5.3 per 1,000), and burglary (3.0 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, this means that while personal safety and community order are major focuses, the protection of property from opportunistic theft and damage is also a constant requirement. The relatively high rate of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggests that both homes and private vehicles are frequent targets, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Darwen is currently stable, with a minor 2.7% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 7.9 and 11.2 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in April (11.2) and March (10.9), while the lowest rates were seen in February (8.0) and October (7.9). This lack of significant escalation suggests a predictable security environment. For residents, this stability is reassuring, as it indicates that crime levels are not rising uncontrollably. However, the consistent nature of the data also means that the existing risks, particularly around violence and anti-social behaviour, remain constant factors that should be addressed through steady and proactive security measures. The slight downward trend is a positive indicator of local safety efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Darwen

The most frequent crime type in Darwen is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to maintain personal awareness, especially when in busy areas like the Darwen Town Centre or near transport hubs. If you are out walking alone, try to stick to well-lit, populated routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a major concern, accounting for 29.8% of total crime. Residents are encouraged to report any persistent issues to the local council or police to help target resources effectively. For property security, ensure that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Criminal damage is relatively frequent, so consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property to deter vandals. For vehicle security, never leave valuables on display and always ensure your car is locked, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can be an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbours, helping to maintain the area's overall safety standards.

Crime in Darwen exhibits clear temporal patterns. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 36% and 42% of crimes respectively. This likely reflects activity in commercial areas or thefts from unattended properties. As evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the profile shifts, with general 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 54% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 44% of all recorded offences, and burglary reaches 15%. These trends suggest that while daytime crime is often opportunistic and theft-based, the night-time hours present a specific risk to vehicles, making secure parking and proactive boundary monitoring essential for residents during the late hours.

In the local context, Darwen sits between the major urban centre of Blackburn and more rural surrounding villages. Its crime rate of 117.7 per 1,000 is lower than Blackburn (123.0) and Oswaldtwistle (124.4), but significantly higher than Hoddlesden (55.6) and Withnell (40.9). For those considering the region, Darwen offers the amenities of a large town but with a more active crime profile than the surrounding suburban areas. Its safety score of 73/100 highlights its performance as a busy urban centre within the wider Lancashire region, where crime levels are often higher than in rural districts.

With a property crime rate of 28.6 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Darwen should prioritise effective security. Property-related offences, including criminal damage, vehicle crime, and burglary, make up a significant portion of the local crime data. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—they record footage of a crime but do nothing to stop it. For real protection in Darwen, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audible warnings. This 'prevention-first' model is particularly effective against opportunistic crimes like vehicle theft or criminal damage, which are common in busy urban areas. By deterring an intruder before they act, scOS ensures that your property is actively defended, providing a level of security that traditional CCTV simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI technology is the most effective way to safeguard your home or business in Darwen.