Monthly Crime Statistics

Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 saw Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, 17.3% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour rose sharply, reflecting local challenges.

1,547
Total Crimes
9.5
Per 1,000 People
8.1
UK Average
-9.2%
vs Previous Month

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August 2023 marked a combination of trends in Blackburn with Darwen, where the overall crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents placed the area 17.3% above the UK average. This figure, while showing a 9.2% decline from the previous month's rate of 10.5, highlights the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in a region that remains affected by crime compared to the national average. The most prevalent crime types were anti-social behaviour (32.4% of total incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (30.7%) and criminal damage and arson (7.8%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where high-density housing and community spaces may contribute to anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, likely exacerbated issues related to public disorder and property crime, as temporary residents and increased foot traffic could create opportunities for criminal activity. However, the data also shows some positive shifts, with theft from the person declining by 40% and 'other theft' falling by 36.4%, suggesting that targeted interventions or increased awareness may have had an impact. The UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.4 per 1,000, yet Blackburn with Darwen's rate of 3.1 per 1,000 is 115% above, indicating a significant local challenge that may require tailored strategies. These findings, while concerning, also provide a foundation for understanding the factors driving crime in the area, including the influence of seasonal dynamics and the need for continued investment in community-based solutions.

August 2023 revealed notable shifts in crime patterns within Blackburn with Darwen. Anti-social behaviour increased by 8.0%, rising from 464 to 501 incidents, a trend that outpaces the UK average by 115%. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month, potentially linked to increased public gatherings and empty homes creating opportunities for disorder. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 40%, dropping from 10 to 6 incidents, a decline that may reflect heightened community awareness or targeted policing efforts. The category of 'other theft' also saw a 36.4% decrease, from 110 to 70, though this remains 37% below the UK average. Conversely, possession of weapons rose by 18.8%, from 16 to 19 incidents, a concerning development that may indicate localized spikes in illicit activity. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of crime in the area, with some categories showing resilience while others demand closer scrutiny.

Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate in August 2023 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.5 per 1,000. This decline suggests a temporary reduction in overall criminal activity. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the local figure translates to approximately 50 crimes reported each day, reflecting a consistent burden on community resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 105 residents, underscoring the frequency of incidents in a population of 162,540. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than the daily figure, highlights the persistent nature of crime in the area. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher risk of crime compared to the UK average, necessitating continued attention from local authorities and community initiatives.

Crime Breakdown - August 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Anti-social behaviour5013.132.4%
Violence and sexual offences4752.930.7%
Criminal damage and arson1210.77.8%
Shoplifting1060.76.9%
Other theft700.44.5%
Public order700.44.5%
Vehicle crime680.44.4%
Burglary420.32.7%
Drugs260.21.7%
Other crime260.21.7%
Possession of weapons190.11.2%
Robbery100.10.7%
Bicycle theft700.5%
Theft from the person600.4%

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: 7 March 2026

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