Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Blackburn with Darwen, 10.6 crimes were reported in May 2024—a rate 26.2% higher than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This translates to a 1-in-94 chance of a resident experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 35.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 29.7% and criminal damage and arson at 7.2%. These figures suggest a persistent challenge with interpersonal conflict and property-related disturbances. May’s extended evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to the seasonal spike in violence, as outdoor drinking and socialising often intensify during this time of year. The high rate of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average (121% above) may reflect the area’s mix of urban and semi-rural environments, where community tensions and transient populations can amplify such incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell 41.4% from April, due to heightened retail security measures or seasonal retail patterns. The data underscores that while Blackburn with Darwen faces challenges above the national average, specific crime trends align with predictable seasonal rhythms and local demographics.

May 2024 saw a 28.2% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 479 to 614 incidents—a stark shift that may partly explain the area’s elevated crime rate. Bicycle theft surged by 100%, jumping from 3 to 6 cases, likely tied to the start of the university term and increased cycling activity as warmer weather encourages outdoor travel. Conversely, shoplifting dropped 41.4% (111 to 65), potentially reflecting targeted interventions or seasonal retail patterns. Anti-social behaviour remains 121% above the UK average, with 514 incidents reported—highlighting a persistent challenge in community management. Theft from the person fell 33.3% (6 to 4), though this category remains 100% below the UK average. The contrast between rising violent crime and declining property-related theft illustrates a shifting crime mix, with interpersonal conflict outpacing traditional theft trends. Residents may find the 12.4% increase in overall crime rate from April (9.5 to 10.6 per 1,000) particularly concerning, especially given the area’s already elevated position relative to national figures.

The crime rate in Blackburn with Darwen rose 12.4% from April 2024 (9.5 to 10.6 per 1,000), marking a continued upward trend despite seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, 56 crimes were reported each day in May—a figure that, while not directly comparable to national data, underscores the local intensity of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency with which residents encounter crime in their communities. This statistic is particularly significant when considered alongside the area’s population of 162,540, which means nearly 1,700 individuals experienced a crime during May. The 26.2% gap between Blackburn with Darwen’s rate and the UK average suggests systemic factors—such as socioeconomic challenges, transient populations, or limited policing resources—may contribute to the disparity. While the rate of public order offences (5.2% of total crimes) was 5% below the UK average, the overall profile remains distinct, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominating the landscape in ways that differ from broader national trends.