Monthly Crime Statistics

Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 crime rate in Blackburn with Darwen rose to 9.6 per 1,000, with anti-social behaviour 146% above the UK average. Discover key trends here.

1,554
Total Crimes
9.6
Per 1,000 People
7.5
UK Average
-5.3%
vs Previous Month

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Blackburn with Darwen’s crime rate in April 2023 reached 9.6 per 1,000, placing it 28% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This marks the second-highest rate recorded in the area this year, reflecting a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.9% of all reported incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 30.4%. These figures suggest a combination of social and environmental factors, including the area’s urban density and seasonal shifts in activity. April, with its Easter period and milder spring weather, likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may have heightened opportunities for certain crimes. Anti-social behaviour in Blackburn with Darwen was 146% above the UK average, a stark deviation that may be linked to the area’s history of high deprivation and limited community resources. Meanwhile, property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime were also elevated, with shoplifting specifically 46% above the UK average. This could be attributed to the district’s retail presence and the potential for opportunistic theft during the Easter shopping period. The data underscores a need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas with high concentrations of retail and public spaces, to address the root causes of these trends. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in densely populated zones and during peak hours, as the combination of seasonal activity and pre-existing social challenges may continue to influence crime patterns in the coming months.

April 2023 saw a dramatic 200% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from 2 to 6. This surge may be linked to the Easter holiday period, during which unsecured bikes are more likely to be left unattended in public spaces. While some categories showed declines, such as theft from the person (down 66.7%), the overall trend remains concerning, particularly for crimes that affect the area’s demographics. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, were 15% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent issue in Blackburn with Darwen. This category may be exacerbated by the district’s higher-than-average levels of social deprivation and limited access to support services. Anti-social behaviour, which was 146% above the UK average, remains a critical concern, with its prevalence likely tied to the area’s urban character and the challenges of managing public spaces effectively. The significant gap between Blackburn with Darwen and the UK average in this category underscores the need for community-focused strategies to address underlying social tensions. Residents should be particularly cautious in areas where anti-social behaviour is concentrated, as these incidents often escalate into more severe crimes. The data also reveals a 46% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average, a trend that may be influenced by the district’s retail density and the potential for opportunistic theft during the Easter shopping period. These findings collectively indicate that while some crime types are showing signs of decline, others remain elevated, requiring a multifaceted approach to public safety.

The crime rate in Blackburn with Darwen for April 2023 was 9.6 per 1,000, a 5.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 10.1 per 1,000. This slight decline may be attributed to the end of the Easter holiday period, which typically sees increased foot traffic and associated risks. However, the rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, with residents facing a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 105 people. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 52 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the previous month, still reflects a high level of criminal activity relative to the population. This daily rate is particularly notable in the context of Blackburn with Darwen’s urban character, where concentrated populations and limited resources may contribute to the persistence of crime. The comparison to the UK average further emphasizes the area’s unique challenges, as it is the only local authority district in the UK where anti-social behaviour is 146% above the national average. This discrepancy suggests that local factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and the availability of community support, play a significant role in shaping the crime profile. Residents should be aware that while the overall rate has decreased slightly, the underlying issues driving crime—such as anti-social behaviour and property-related offences—remain unresolved, requiring sustained efforts to address the root causes.

Crime Breakdown - April 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences480330.9%
Anti-social behaviour4722.930.4%
Criminal damage and arson1210.77.8%
Shoplifting1160.77.5%
Vehicle crime870.55.6%
Other theft850.55.5%
Public order680.44.4%
Burglary460.33%
Other crime300.21.9%
Drugs170.11.1%
Possession of weapons110.10.7%
Robbery100.10.6%
Bicycle theft600.4%
Theft from the person500.3%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Blackburn with Darwen

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 12 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month