Darwen Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated Darwen's crime profile in October 2024, accounting for 37.3% of all reported crimes and 257% above the UK average. This stark outlier underscores a significant divergence from national trends, with 128 incidents recorded—double the previous month's count. The overall crime rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents marked a 50.6% increase compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, placing Darwen among the most crime-affected areas in England. Violence and sexual offences followed closely at 31.8% of total crimes, 46% above the UK average, suggesting persistent pressures in community safety. Seasonal factors likely contributed to these patterns, as October's darker evenings and Halloween activities may have amplified opportunities for anti-social behaviour. The town's industrial heritage and proximity to major transport routes could also influence crime dynamics, with transient populations exacerbating tensions. While property crimes remained relatively low at 8.8% of total incidents, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson—up 130.8% month-on-month—hints at targeted vandalism or environmental factors. These figures paint a complex picture of a built-up area grappling with social challenges, where localised issues may outweigh broader regional trends.

October saw a 100% increase in anti-social behaviour, surging from 64 to 128 incidents—a rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents, 257% above the UK average. This spike, coupled with a 130.8% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 13 to 30 cases), suggests targeted escalations in disorder. The category of 'Other crime' also rose sharply, up 67% from the UK average, though its low base count (7 incidents) means this requires cautious interpretation. Conversely, public order offences fell by 47.6% (from 21 to 11), and drugs-related crime dropped 42.9% (from 7 to 4), potentially reflecting seasonal shifts or localised enforcement efforts. Shoplifting rates were 44% below the UK average (10 vs 18 per 1,000), possibly due to Darwen's retail profile—where fewer high-footfall outlets may limit such opportunities. These fluctuations highlight the need for nuanced analysis, as month-on-month changes may be influenced by factors like school holidays or community events. Residents might find the 11 daily crimes reported in October a useful benchmark for understanding local crime frequency.

Darwen's crime rate in October 2024 rose 18.3% from the previous month's 10.3 per 1,000, marking a clear upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced 11 crimes per day—equivalent to one incident every 82 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure, while local to Darwen, illustrates the cumulative impact of crime on the community. Compared to the UK average, Darwen's rate remains high, with anti-social behaviour alone contributing 257% more than the national average. The population context is critical: with 28,102 residents, the 343 total crimes reported in October translate to a rate of 12.2 per 1,000—a stark contrast to the UK's 8.1 per 1,000. This disparity suggests systemic challenges in Darwen that may stem from its built-up area status and historical industrial character. While the previous month's rate was 10.3, the 18.3% increase underscores a recent acceleration in crime trends. These figures, when contextualised against the town's population and geography, highlight the need for targeted interventions that address both immediate incidents and underlying socioeconomic factors.