Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Blackburn with Darwen, 10.2 crimes were reported in May 2023 — a rate 27.5% higher than the UK average of 8.0. This figure translates to a tangible risk for individuals, with the most common crimes being violence and sexual offences (33.6% of total), anti-social behaviour (31.3%), and criminal damage (8.0%). The area’s crime profile in May aligns with seasonal patterns: longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to the spike in violence and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in public spaces and social hubs. The elevated rate of anti-social behaviour, 141% above the UK average, may reflect the town’s mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where transient populations and limited community engagement can exacerbate such incidents. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of theft from the person (0.1 per 1,000) suggests that personal safety measures, such as increased vigilance during warmer months, may have had a mitigating effect. However, the rise in violence and sexual offences — which are 22% above the UK average — indicates persistent challenges in addressing public safety, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or nightlife activity. These trends are consistent with broader patterns observed in post-industrial towns, where economic factors and social fragmentation can contribute to higher rates of violent crime.

May 2023 saw a 16.3% rise in violence and sexual offences, bringing the rate to 3.4 per 1,000 — 22% above the UK average. This category alone accounted for 33.6% of all reported crimes, underscoring its disproportionate impact on the area. Anti-social behaviour, at 3.2 per 1,000, was 141% above the UK average, likely linked to the extended evenings and social gatherings typical of the month. Meanwhile, possession of weapons surged by 63.6%, with 18 incidents reported — a stark contrast to the 11 in April. Conversely, theft from the person dropped 60%, from five to two cases, possibly reflecting heightened awareness during warmer weather or changes in public behaviour. These shifts highlight the volatility of crime patterns in response to seasonal and social factors, with some categories — like burglary and violence — showing consistent upward trends.

In May 2023, Blackburn with Darwen’s crime rate rose to 10.2 per 1,000 residents, a 6.8% increase from April’s 9.6. This translates to approximately 54 crimes reported daily, or one crime for every 98 residents over the course of the month. While the daily figure provides a snapshot of local activity, the monthly exposure metric offers a broader perspective: residents faced a 1-in-98 chance of experiencing a reported crime. This rate, though elevated compared to the UK average, reflects patterns consistent with the area’s character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural zones. The shift from April to May may partly explain the rise, as longer evenings and bank holidays in May often correlate with increased outdoor socialising and alcohol-related incidents. However, the daily crime count remains a practical measure for residents assessing local risks, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or nightlife activity.