Darwen Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Darwen's crime rate in December 2025 reached 10.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 48.6% above the UK average of 7.0. This marked the second-highest monthly rate recorded in the area since 2020, with violence and sexual offences dominating the crime profile. These crimes accounted for 41% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.2%) and vehicle crime (10.6%). The spike in violent crime aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when dark evenings and holiday-related tensions may contribute to heightened incidents. Anti-social behaviour rates were particularly striking, 158% above the UK average, likely linked to the area's compact built-up environment and increased social interactions during the festive season. Vehicle crime, at 1.1 per 1,000, was 197% above the national average, a figure that could reflect the concentration of commercial premises and parking areas in Darwen's urban core. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, late-night events, and empty homes during the holidays—may have created conditions conducive to property crimes. While some categories like shoplifting and burglary fell below UK averages, the overall trajectory suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and times.

December 2025 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with drug-related offences surging by 266.7% (from 3 to 11 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 200% (from 1 to 3). Vehicle crime also jumped 106.7% (from 15 to 31), a rate 197% above the UK average. These spikes may be connected to the festive season's increased foot traffic and potential for opportunistic theft. Conversely, burglary and other crime categories both decreased, with burglary falling 16.7% (from 6 to 5) and other crime dropping 69.2% (from 13 to 4). Violent crime rates were 67% above the UK average, with 4.3 per 1,000 residents affected, a figure that could be exacerbated by the area's density and social dynamics during December. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.4 per 1,000, was particularly alarming, reflecting a 158% gap compared to national rates. Residents should be aware that the combination of dark evenings and holiday-related gatherings may heighten risks in public spaces, especially near retail areas and transport hubs.

Darwen's crime rate in December 2025 (10.4 per 1,000) represented a 10.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.5, marking a clear upward trend. This translates to approximately 9 crimes reported per day over the 31-day period, a local figure that provides context for daily exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 96 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the scale of incidents relative to the population of 28,102. While the overall rate remains elevated, the population-scaled perspective reveals that Darwen's residents face a higher risk compared to the UK average. The daily crime count, though not directly comparable to national figures, underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small built-up area. This context is critical for understanding the pressure on local resources and the need for community-focused crime prevention strategies. The 10.1% month-on-month increase, combined with the 48.6% gap from the UK average, suggests a unique set of challenges in Darwen that may require tailored approaches to address.