Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw Blackburn with Darwen record 1,583 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 9.7 per 1,000 residents—27.6% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure, while lower than the previous month's 10.7, still highlights the area's persistent challenges with crime. The most significant contributors to the crime rate were violence and sexual offences (35.5% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (25.8%), and criminal damage and arson (7.0%). These patterns align with the district's character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where high-density housing and historical economic challenges may contribute to elevated violent crime rates. The seasonal context of November—marked by dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and the aftermath of Black Friday—likely influenced the crime profile. For instance, the drop in anti-social behaviour could be attributed to the end of Halloween-related events, while the spike in criminal damage may reflect increased vandalism during darker hours. Meanwhile, shoplifting's 13% deficit compared to the UK average suggests that heightened retail security measures during the holiday season may have had a measurable impact. The data also reveals a combination of local factors: while violent crime remains a core issue, the area's relatively low rates of theft from the person (100% below UK average) indicate that personal safety measures or community policing efforts may be effective in certain contexts. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both the structural and seasonal drivers of crime in Blackburn with Darwen.

The most dramatic month-on-month swing in November 2024 was the 125% increase in possession of weapons, with cases rising from 8 to 18. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns that may warrant closer scrutiny. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 23% compared to the previous month, possibly linked to the transition from October's Halloween festivities to November's more subdued calendar. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.5% of all crimes, 36% above the UK average. This aligns with the area's history of higher violent crime rates, likely influenced by the town's urban density and socioeconomic factors. Shoplifting was 13% below the UK average, a contrast that may reflect the impact of Black Friday sales, where increased retail security measures could have deterred such offences. Residents may find the 23% reduction in anti-social behaviour particularly relevant, as it suggests a temporary respite from disturbances in public spaces.

Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 9.3% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.7 to 9.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, reflects a broader shift in local patterns. On average, 53 crimes were reported daily in November—a figure that, while significant, remains consistent with the area's historical volatility. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 103 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the persistent presence of crime in the district. The population context reveals that Blackburn with Darwen, with 162,540 residents, experiences a higher crime burden than the UK average, but the month-on-month reduction suggests potential stabilisation. This could be linked to seasonal factors, such as the end of Black Friday shopping, which may have temporarily reduced retail-related offences. However, the drop in anti-social behaviour by 23% contrasts with the sharp rise in weapon possession, highlighting uneven shifts in criminal activity.