Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate in August 2025 stood at 11.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 35.8% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the area, which has consistently reported higher-than-average crime rates compared to the national benchmark. The two most prevalent crime types were anti-social behaviour (31.6% of all crimes) and violence and sexual offences (31.6% of all crimes), both of which far exceeded their respective UK averages. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, was 140% above the UK average, with 565 incidents recorded. This may partly explain the area's elevated overall crime rate, as anti-social conduct often precedes or coincides with more severe crimes. The seasonal context of August—typically a peak holiday month—may contribute to this pattern, with increased tourism straining local resources and leaving properties vulnerable during periods of low occupancy. Meanwhile, violent crime rates were 22% above the UK average, a figure that aligns with the area's history of social and economic challenges. While August is traditionally a quieter month for some crimes, the combination of high anti-social behaviour and violence suggests a combination of factors, including community cohesion, policing effectiveness, and the impact of seasonal transitions on local dynamics. These trends underscore the need for targeted interventions to address both immediate and long-term issues.

August 2025 marked a sharp rise in bicycle theft, with incidents surging 120% month-on-month from five to 11. This increase could be linked to the summer season, when cycling activity typically rises. Concurrently, shoplifting saw a 37.2% increase, climbing to 118 incidents from 86 in July. This suggests potential challenges in retail security during peak tourist periods, though the area's high anti-social behaviour rates may also indirectly contribute. On a more positive note, drugs-related crimes fell by 25.7%, declining from 35 to 26. This reduction may reflect seasonal shifts in drug market activity, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. Public order offences also decreased by 17.9%, from 95 to 78, indicating improved community engagement or policing efforts during the summer months. Theft from the person, however, dropped by 12.5%, from eight to seven, a modest but notable decline that contrasts with the overall upward trend in other categories. The area's violent crime rate remained 22% above the UK average, with 564 incidents recorded, while anti-social behaviour—by far the most common crime type—was 140% above the national average. These figures highlight a stark contrast between Blackburn with Darwen's crime profile and the UK average, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, where the gap is most pronounced.

August 2025 saw Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate remain stable compared to July, with a 1.0% increase from 10.9 to 11.0 per 1,000 residents. This slight rise, however, does not alter the area's position as one of the UK's higher-risk regions. Over the course of the month, 1786 crimes were recorded, translating to roughly 58 crimes per day—a local figure that does not directly compare to national daily averages. On a monthly basis, this equates to one reported crime for every 91 residents, a statistic that illustrates the frequency of crime in the area. When viewed through the lens of population size—162,540 residents—the monthly exposure figure suggests that residents face a higher likelihood of encountering crime than the average UK resident. This is compounded by the fact that Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate has consistently outpaced the UK average for several years, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour being particularly persistent issues. While the area's crime rate is not significantly higher than the previous month, the underlying patterns—such as the 140% above-average rate for anti-social behaviour—highlight a deeper challenge that extends beyond short-term fluctuations. These figures underscore the importance of long-term strategies to address root causes, including economic deprivation, social fragmentation, and the impact of seasonal factors on local crime dynamics.