Darwen Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Darwen, 8.9 crimes were reported in January 2026 — a rate 30.9% higher than the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of approximately 8 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 113 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, making up 43% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.9%) and vehicle crime (8.8%). These figures align with patterns often seen in built-up areas with dense residential and commercial zones, where interpersonal disputes and property-related incidents are more common. January's crime profile may reflect the post-holiday period, with reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours likely contributing to shifts in criminal behaviour. While violent crime rates remain elevated, the seasonal context suggests a temporary spike rather than a structural trend. The area's proximity to major transport routes and its role as a commuter hub may also influence vehicle crime patterns.8 per 1,000 rate for this category is 116% above the UK average. Residents may find the contrast between Darwen's rates and the UK's broader context particularly striking, especially given the significant gap in violent crime statistics.

January 2026 saw a 30.9% increase in Darwen's overall crime rate compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences driving the disparity — 52% above the national average. Month-on-month, anti-social behaviour decreased by 30.9% (68 → 47), likely reflecting the seasonal slowdown in social activity during January's shorter days. Vehicle crime also dropped by 29.0% (31 → 22), possibly linked to reduced retail footfall and fewer opportunities for theft. However, other crime categories showed sharp increases: 'other crime' rose by 125.0% (4 → 9), a jump that may signal underreported or emerging criminal activity. Burglary increased by 40.0% (5 → 7), despite the overall downward trend in property crime. Shoplifting in Darwen was 65% below the UK average (0.2 vs 0.6 per 1,000), a discrepancy that could reflect the area's retail landscape or local enforcement priorities. The 3.8 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences remains a critical concern, with no immediate signs of decline despite the post-holiday period typically associated with reduced crime.

Darwen's crime rate in January 2026 (8.9 per 1,000) marked a 15.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.4 per 1,000, suggesting some short-term stabilization in local crime trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day — a figure that, while lower than the prior month, still places Darwen well above the UK average. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in a densely populated built-up area. When compared to the UK's broader context, Darwen's violent crime rate (3.8 per 1,000) remains 52% above the national average, a gap that may reflect the area's demographic profile or local social dynamics. The population context is crucial: with 28,102 residents, even small shifts in crime rates can have significant impacts on community perception and safety. While the 15.1% month-on-month decline is encouraging, the overall rate remains 30.9% above the UK average, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in crime prevention and community engagement.