Basingstoke Crime Rate

Basingstoke is a safe and well-managed urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 86.0 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to its respectable safety score of 78/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 3.9% increase over the past year, indicating a consistent and secure environment. Property crime in Basingstoke stands at 22.8 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.3. This data suggests that while the town's busy centre experiences typical urban crime, the residential areas remain a low-risk environment for families and professionals alike. The following detailed breakdown provides essential insights into crime types and time patterns to help residents stay informed and proactive about their safety.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Basingstoke, accounting for 46.5% of all reports (40.0 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.9% and public order offences at 8.4%. Property crime overall—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—stands at 22.8 per 1,000 residents. This is comfortably below the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Basingstoke is a relatively secure area for property owners. Criminal damage (6.3 per 1,000) and shoplifting (5.3 per 1,000) are the primary property-related concerns, while burglary is low at 3.0 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while personal safety and anti-social behaviour are the main statistical concerns, the risk of invasive residential crime remains well below the national average.

Basingstoke has seen a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor 3.9% increase in total offences. Monthly data shows that the crime rate reached its highest point in July (8.3 per 1,000) and May (7.6 per 1,000), which is common as outdoor activity increases during the spring and summer. The lowest crime rate was recorded in June (6.5 per 1,000). The overall stability in these figures is a positive sign for residents, suggesting that the town remains a safe and consistent place to live. Basingstoke continues to maintain a crime rate below the national average, providing significant reassurance for the community.

How To Keep Safe in Basingstoke

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Basingstoke. To stay safe, residents should be mindful of their surroundings when walking in the town centre or less populated areas after dark. Stick to well-lit routes and try to walk with others whenever possible. For property owners, given that criminal damage and burglary are present (accounting for over 10% of local crime), focus on 'target hardening' by ensuring all windows and doors have high-quality locks. For vehicle security, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, as vehicle crime accounts for 2.6% of local offences. Additionally, staying active in local safety groups and community forums can help you remain informed about any emerging trends in anti-social behaviour, which accounts for nearly 13% of local crime. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is also highly recommended.

Crime in Basingstoke follows a distinct pattern, with property-related activity peaking during the day and overnight. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 43% and 44% of offences in those windows respectively. This suggests opportunistic incidents in commercial and residential areas. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which make up 54% of reports. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts heavily to burglary (24%) and vehicle crime (27%), which together account for over half of all incidents in this period. This indicates that residential properties and vehicles are most vulnerable during the night, while daytime risks are more focused on general theft.

Basingstoke serves as the primary commercial and economic hub for its region. While its crime rate of 86.0 is higher than the nearby villages of Sherborne St John (31.4) and Old Basing (34.3), this is reflective of its status as a much larger and busier urban centre. Compared to the national average of 91.7, Basingstoke remains a very safe choice for town living. Nearby hamlets like Cliddesden and Monk Sherborne report zero crimes, highlighting the area's transition to more rural safety profiles. For residents, Basingstoke provides a balanced safety profile that combines modern urban amenities with a high standard of security.

In an urban centre like Basingstoke, where property crime stands at 22.8 per 1,000, maintaining security requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, are reactive; they record footage of a crime after it has occurred. To truly protect your home and deter potential offenders, a proactive solution is needed. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that prevents crime before it starts. By monitoring your property boundary in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This professional-grade protection is designed to stop an intruder's 60-second decision-making process, making your home a much less attractive target. For Basingstoke residents, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is actively defended, not just recorded. This shift from reactive to proactive is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure in a busy town environment.