Bracknell Forest Crime Rate

Bracknell Forest maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 64.6 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The district's safety score of 85/100 reflects a secure environment for its population of over 130,000. Furthermore, the area is seeing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 5.5% year-over-year. Property crime in the district is particularly low at 21.9 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.3. These figures indicate that Bracknell Forest is not only safer than much of the UK but is also continuing to improve its security standing.

Bracknell Forest is a unitary authority in Berkshire, known for its mix of high-tech industry, extensive forest land, and modern residential developments. The area is home to major global technology companies, making it a key part of the UK's 'Silicon Valley'. The district includes the major town of Bracknell, along with smaller settlements like Sandhurst and Crowthorne.

The area's characteristics are defined by its well-planned urban centres and significant green spaces, such as Swinley Forest. The population is largely composed of skilled professionals and families, attracted by the strong local economy and excellent transport links to London and Reading via the M3 and M4. These factors contribute to a transient daytime population as commuters move in and out of the tech hubs. The district's prosperity and high-quality infrastructure generally support a safe environment, though its connectivity and economic status can occasionally make it a target for specific types of property crime. Overall, Bracknell Forest balances its commercial success with a high standard of residential safety.

In Bracknell Forest, violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes, making up 38.3% of the total at a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and shoplifting (8.2%) follow as the next most significant categories.

Property crime is a key concern for the district's homeowners and businesses. The combined property crime rate—encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is 21.9 per 1,000 people. Within this, vehicle crime is a notable factor, accounting for 5.9% of all incidents (3.8 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson (6.8%) and 'other theft' (7.2%) also contribute significantly to the property crime profile. Burglary rates are relatively low at 2.0 per 1,000.

For residents, these statistics suggest that while the area is generally safe, protecting vehicles and managing opportunistic theft are important. The presence of high-value vehicles and modern residential estates can attract certain types of property-related offences. Maintaining a visible security presence and ensuring that both homes and vehicles are properly secured are effective ways to mitigate these risks in a prosperous area like Bracknell Forest.

The crime trend in Bracknell Forest is currently moving in a positive direction, with a 5.5% year-over-year decrease in total reported incidents. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a stable environment with moderate fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 was at its lowest in February and December (4.6 and 4.8 respectively), while peaking slightly in July at 6.3.

This summer peak is a common national trend, but even at its highest, Bracknell Forest's crime rate remained well below the UK average. The latter part of 2025 showed steady figures, with October and November both recording a rate of 5.1. This consistency suggests that the district is successfully maintaining its lower crime levels. For residents, this downward trend and the lack of volatile spikes in criminal activity reinforce Bracknell Forest's reputation as a secure and well-managed local authority area.

Within the local Berkshire and Surrey border region, Bracknell Forest's crime rate of 64.6 per 1,000 residents is the primary statistical reference point. Nearby local authorities such as Windsor and Maidenhead, Surrey Heath, Wokingham, Runnymede, Slough, and Rushmoor all show reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset. While these figures likely represent differences in reporting periods or data boundaries, they emphasize Bracknell Forest's role as a significant urban and commercial hub for the region. For those considering the area, Bracknell Forest offers a well-documented and relatively low-crime environment compared to broader national averages.

With a property crime rate of 21.9 per 1,000 in Bracknell Forest, homeowners are increasingly choosing advanced security over traditional reactive systems. Standard CCTV cameras and smart doorbells are often limited to recording a crime as it happens, which provides little comfort if your vehicle is stolen or your home is damaged. In a tech-forward area like Bracknell Forest, residents understand the value of proactive protection.

scOS provides this by using AI to transform your security cameras into an intelligent, active defence system. Instead of just sending a notification after a sensor is tripped, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, distinguishing between normal activity and genuine threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights and audible warnings to deter them before they ever reach your home. This proactive approach stops the 60-second decision a criminal makes in its tracks, ensuring that your property is protected rather than just being the subject of a recording. For Bracknell Forest residents, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from stopping crime before it happens.

How To Keep Safe in Bracknell Forest

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Bracknell Forest. To enhance your personal safety across the district, consider these practical steps:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking in the evening, particularly in the town centre or near transport hubs. Stick to well-lit main paths and avoid isolated shortcuts through wooded areas.
2. If you are out late, plan your route home in advance and use reputable transport services. Sharing your live location with a friend or family member via a smartphone app is a simple way to add an extra layer of security.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in busy public spaces like The Lexicon or local train stations. Keeping valuables out of sight can prevent opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home is well-lit externally. Motion-activated lighting is a highly effective way to deter unwanted visitors and make you feel more secure when arriving home after dark.
5. Engage with local community safety initiatives and follow the updates from Bracknell Forest's local policing teams to stay informed about any specific safety concerns in your immediate neighbourhood.