Darwen Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Darwen's crime rate in March 2024 reached 9.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.4% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Blackburn with Darwen, where the transition to spring has not mitigated long-standing issues in certain crime categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.5% of all incidents, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000—31% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.3 per 1,000, was 98% above the UK rate, highlighting a need for targeted interventions in community spaces. The seasonal context of March—characterised by the shift to longer evenings and the end of winter—may influence patterns. The category of possession of weapons saw a 150% increase, rising from 2 to 5 cases, which could indicate a growing concern for public safety. While property crimes remained relatively low (72 incidents, or 27% of total crimes), violent crimes dominated the profile, contributing to a crime mix that diverges significantly from the national average. The data suggests that Darwen's crime picture is shaped by a combination of local factors, including the area's proximity to larger urban centres and the presence of industrial and retail spaces that may contribute to anti-social behaviour and vandalism. However, the 8.2% decline from February offers some grounds for cautious optimism, though the overall rate remains a cause for concern.

March 2024 saw a 150% surge in possession of weapons, rising from 2 to 5 incidents—a stark anomaly compared to other categories. This spike, while small in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with the 61.5% drop in shoplifting (from 13 to 5) and the 62.9% decline in vehicle crime (from 35 to 13). The violent crime category, contributing 36.5% of all incidents, remained 31% above the UK average at 3.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.3 per 1,000, was 98% above the UK rate, reflecting persistent challenges in community management. The 114.3% increase in criminal damage and arson—from 14 to 30 cases—raises questions about underlying tensions. Residents may find the 62.9% reduction in vehicle crime particularly notable, suggesting possible improvements in parking security or seasonal changes in commuter activity.

Darwen's crime rate in March 2024 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.2% decrease from February's 10.3 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader seasonal trend as the area transitions into spring, when extended daylight hours and milder weather may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, 9 crimes were reported across 31 days, translating to roughly one incident for every 106 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it does not account for fluctuations in daily patterns. The population context further highlights the disparity: with 28,102 residents, the local rate remains higher than the UK average, yet the drop from February suggests potential stability in policing efforts or community engagement initiatives. The reduction in vehicle crime—down 62.9% to 13 incidents—may reflect changes in commuter patterns or seasonal shifts in parking behaviour, though such factors remain speculative without further data.