Blackburn with Darwen Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Blackburn with Darwen experienced a crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.7% above the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the area’s distinct challenges compared to the national landscape. Violent crime, particularly violence and sexual offences, dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents—35% above the UK average. This imbalance between property and violent crime may reflect underlying social tensions or demographic factors, such as a higher concentration of vulnerable populations in certain neighbourhoods. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, was 54% above the UK average, potentially linked to the area’s urban fabric and community dynamics. Seasonal context suggests that January’s post-holiday environment, with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, may have contributed to a shift in crime patterns, with fewer outdoor crimes but increased domestic-related incidents. The data also reveals that shoplifting rates were 27% below the UK average, due to improved retail security measures or a lower volume of shoppers during the month. This contrast highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the specific drivers of violent crime while maintaining efforts to curb anti-social behaviour and property-related offences. The overall profile indicates a combination of factors, from local socioeconomic conditions to broader national trends, that shape the area’s crime profile.

January 2026 saw a 65.4% increase in burglary cases, rising from 26 to 43, marking a significant upward trend in property-related crime. This surge contrasts with a 33.5% decrease in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 349 to 232, potentially reflecting seasonal shifts or local initiatives impacting community conduct. Violent crime remained the largest category, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents, with rates 35% above the UK average. Shoplifting rates were 27% below the UK average, a deviation that may indicate effective retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the post-holiday period. The sharp 100% increase in bicycle theft, though numerically small, signals a concerning trend that could be linked to colder weather driving thefts from locked vehicles. These fluctuations highlight the combination of factors influencing crime in the area, from environmental conditions to targeted policing efforts.

The crime rate in Blackburn with Darwen for January 2026 stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a 9.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.9 per 1,000. This reduction, though modest, suggests potential shifts in local dynamics or seasonal factors influencing crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 42 crimes reported per day, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity despite the monthly decline. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 124 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area within a range typical for similar-sized urban centres in the UK. When contextualised against the population of 162,540, this rate highlights the need for sustained community engagement and policing efforts to address ongoing challenges. The decrease in anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons may reflect targeted interventions or seasonal lulls, but the overall rate remains above the UK average, indicating areas for further focus.