Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Blackburn with Darwen's February 2026 crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 marked an 18.7% increase above the UK average, a figure that underscores the area's distinct criminal profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, contributing 40% of all reported incidents and exceeding the UK average by 29%. This category's prominence may be linked to the area's socioeconomic dynamics, including a mix of urban and semi-rural communities where social tensions can escalate during winter months. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, accounting for 12.7% of total crimes and 10% above the national rate, a pattern often seen in areas with high population density and transient populations. The seasonal context of February—a month typically associated with reduced outdoor activity—may have contributed to a concentration of crimes in indoor spaces. Burglary rates were 20% below the UK average, a deviation that could reflect effective community policing or improved residential security measures. The overall crime mix suggests a combination of local demographics, economic factors, and environmental conditions, with property crimes (shoplifting, vehicle crime) remaining relatively stable compared to the sharp rise in violent offences. As a post-industrial town with a history of economic challenges, Blackburn with Darwen's crime profile reflects the ongoing challenges of urban regeneration and social cohesion.

February 2026 saw a 65.5% increase in 'Other crime' (29 → 48), the largest single-category rise, suggesting a potential shift in criminal activity or reporting patterns. This surge coincided with a 62.5% jump in possession of weapons (8 → 13), a spike that may reflect seasonal changes in illegal activity or heightened police visibility. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 32.6% (43 → 29), a decline that contrasts with the UK average and could indicate improved home security measures or reduced opportunity in residential areas. The most striking disparity remains in violence and sexual offences, which were 29% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000. This category's dominance—accounting for 40% of all crimes—suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Theft from the person was 100% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's demographic profile or effective policing in high-traffic zones.

Blackburn with Darwen's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 6.1% compared to the previous month's 8.1 per 1,000, marking a slight but measurable decline. This drop aligns with the seasonal context of February—a winter month typically associated with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in public spaces. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 44 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the local population density and the persistent nature of certain crime types. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 132 residents underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the community size. This ratio, while not uncommon for urban areas, highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and targeted interventions. The decrease in anti-social behaviour and burglary, in particular, may suggest early success from local initiatives or seasonal factors influencing criminal activity patterns.