Darwen Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Darwen

Darwen experiences an overall crime rate of 122.3 per 1,000 residents annually, with a safety score of 72 out of 100. This places Darwen's crime rate higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, and its safety score slightly below the national average of 78. The area has seen a stable trend in crime over the past year, with a 4.2% increase year-over-year. This overview provides a starting point for a deeper understanding of crime patterns and safety concerns within Darwen.

Crime Type Analysis

The primary crime concerns in Darwen are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest category, representing 36.5% of all crimes with 1,256 incidents, equivalent to 44.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also highly prevalent, making up 29.8% of crimes with 1,024 reported incidents (36.4 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson account for 8.5% of the total, with 291 incidents (10.4 per 1,000).

In terms of property-related crime, Darwen reports a rate of 30.3 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (3.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.0 per 1,000), other theft (5.3 per 1,000), shoplifting (4.5 per 1,000), robbery (0.3 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (10.4 per 1,000). While the overall property crime rate is marginally lower than the national average, the presence of these offences underscores the importance of residents implementing effective security measures to protect their homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Darwen

Darwen has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a 4.2% increase in overall crime rates year-over-year. An examination of the monthly data reveals consistent fluctuations. Lower crime rates per 1,000 residents were recorded in February 2025 (8.0), September 2025 (9.0), January 2025 (9.2), December 2024 (9.7), and November 2024 (9.8), indicating periods of reduced criminal activity. Conversely, higher crime rates were observed in October 2024 (12.2), April 2025 (11.2), March 2025 (10.9), May 2025 (10.8), July 2025 (10.8), and August 2025 (10.7). This pattern suggests that crime tends to be more prevalent during the warmer spring and summer months, a common seasonal variation. For residents, this stable yet slightly increasing trend highlights the ongoing need for awareness and vigilance.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns

Crime patterns in Darwen show distinct variations throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for 35% of crimes, with vehicle crime at 20% and burglary at 9%. This suggests that as daily routines commence, opportunities for these offences increase. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) is primarily influenced by theft (42%) and 'other' crime types (34%), with burglary also notable at 17%. This indicates a continued focus on property-related offences during active daylight hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become dominant at 54%, with vehicle crime at 19% and theft at 15%, possibly reflecting increased social activity. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime is the most significant at 44%, followed by 'other' crime types at 35% and burglary at 14%, suggesting that unattended vehicles and properties are often targeted during these quieter hours.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To better understand Darwen's crime landscape, it's beneficial to compare it with neighbouring communities such as Hoddlesden, Blackburn (Blackburn with Darwen), Withnell, and Oswaldtwistle. Darwen, as a distinct urban settlement, may share some crime characteristics with the larger town of Blackburn, which is part of the same local authority, but could also exhibit unique patterns due to its specific demographics and local activities. Smaller, more rural areas like Hoddlesden or Withnell are likely to have significantly different crime profiles, typically with lower overall rates. This regional comparison offers valuable context for residents, providing a broader perspective on how safety and crime rates in Darwen compare to its immediate surroundings.

Protecting Your Property in Darwen

With Darwen's property crime rate of 30.3 per 1,000 residents, which sits slightly below the UK average, ensuring robust home security is a sensible precaution. Conventional security solutions, such as basic CCTV cameras, often serve to record a burglary after it has happened, rather than actively preventing the intrusion. Similarly, many off-the-shelf DIY systems typically notify you once an incident is already in progress, leaving you to react to an ongoing threat.

For those seeking a more advanced and proactive defence, scOS offers an innovative solution. This AI-powered home security operating system is engineered to stop crime before it can escalate, by detecting threats at your property's perimeter. Unlike reactive systems, scOS employs multi-camera intelligence to simultaneously monitor all cameras, eliminating blind spots. It can also perform DVLA vehicle verification to instantly flag suspicious vehicles. Through advanced pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between familiar routines and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. In the event of a real threat, scOS initiates an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to disrupt the intruder and destroy their element of surprise, often compelling them to leave within seconds. Opting for a professional-grade system like scOS provides a powerful deterrent, offering a proactive layer of protection that prioritises prevention over mere recording.