The question of what the police are doing to address crime in Blackburn with Darwen is a crucial one, particularly given the area's current statistics. Blackburn with Darwen, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 162,540, currently exhibits a crime rate of 118.8 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. The area’s safety score also reflects this, standing at 73 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79.
While specific details on current, ongoing police initiatives are not available in the provided data, it's reasonable to assume that Lancashire Constabulary, responsible for policing Blackburn with Darwen, is employing standard strategies to address the elevated crime rate. These typically include increased visible patrols in high-crime areas, targeted operations focusing on specific types of crime (e.g., burglaries, drug dealing, violent offences), and proactive engagement with local communities. Intelligence-led policing, which involves analysing crime data to identify patterns and hotspots, is also a standard practice.
Furthermore, the police often work in partnership with local councils, community groups, and other agencies to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. These collaborative efforts may involve youth diversion programs, initiatives to support vulnerable individuals, and improvements to the local environment to deter crime. Given the higher crime rate, it's likely that resources are allocated to Blackburn with Darwen to support these efforts.
It's important to note that crime statistics are complex and influenced by a range of factors, including reporting rates and changes in crime recording practices. While the current crime rate is a concern, ongoing police efforts, alongside community involvement, are vital for improving safety and security in Blackburn with Darwen.