Darwen Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 28,102, Darwen recorded 222 crimes in February 2026, translating to 7.9 crimes per 1,000 residents—23.4% above the UK average of 6.4. This rate places Darwen higher than the national benchmark, though the area’s small built-up character suggests concentrated activity in specific zones. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents (92 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.2%) and vehicle crime (8.1%). These figures align with patterns often seen in compact urban areas where community tensions and limited public space may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Seasonal context also appears relevant: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, saw a pre-spring lull that may have shifted crime patterns indoors, amplifying domestic disputes and alcohol-related incidents. However, the area’s relatively low population density compared to major cities suggests that localised factors—such as specific hotspots or community dynamics—are likely to play a greater role than broad demographic trends. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, meaning Darwen’s rate is 42% higher, a disparity that may reflect local challenges in addressing antisocial behaviour or community safety initiatives. While the overall rate is elevated, the breakdown of crime types indicates a focus on property-related and violent crimes rather than theft or burglary, which are lower than the UK average. This contrast could hint at a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, where commercial areas coexist with residential zones. The winter season, with its colder temperatures and reduced daylight, may also contribute to increased indoor activity, linking to higher reports of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, without further data on specific locations or events, these observations remain speculative and should be viewed as contextual rather than definitive explanations.

February 2026 saw significant month-on-month changes in Darwen’s crime profile. Public order offences surged by 114.3%, rising from 7 to 15 cases—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened tensions or events during the month. Similarly, shoplifting cases doubled from 6 to 12, and robbery incidents rose from 0 to 3, suggesting potential shifts in retail security or opportunistic activity. In contrast, burglary cases fell by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), possibly due to increased awareness or seasonal factors affecting outdoor crime. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 42.6%, from 47 to 27, which could indicate improved community engagement or enforcement efforts. Darwen’s violence and sexual offences rate (3.3 per 1,000) is 42% above the UK average, a disparity that may highlight localised challenges in addressing interpersonal crime. Vehicle crime, at 0.6 per 1,000, is 71% above the UK average, linked to the area’s built-up nature and parking infrastructure. Conversely, shoplifting is 31% below the UK average, which could reflect effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic in key areas. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of crime in Darwen, where specific categories are either outperforming or underperforming national benchmarks, and where seasonal and local factors may play a pivotal role in shaping monthly trends.

Darwen’s crime rate in February 2026 (7.9 per 1,000) marked a 10.8% decline from the previous month’s rate of 8.9, indicating a modest but measurable reduction in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day, a figure that, while not immediately alarming, reflects the density of activity in a built-up area with a population of 28,102. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. This figure, though specific to Darwen, highlights the importance of localised factors in shaping crime experiences. The previous month’s higher rate may have been influenced by transient events or seasonal fluctuations, but the February decline suggests some stabilisation or successful interventions. While the rate remains above the UK average, the month-on-month decrease indicates that trends are not static and can respond to targeted efforts or environmental changes. For residents, the 1-in-127 figure is a tangible metric that can inform decisions about personal safety, community engagement, or support for local policing initiatives. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the need for tailored strategies that address Darwen’s unique challenges, particularly in areas where violence and sexual offences exceed national benchmarks. The daily crime count and monthly exposure rate serve as reminders that while crime is a national concern, its impact varies significantly by location, requiring nuanced approaches to prevention and mitigation.