Bracknell Crime Rate

Bracknell's urban area maintains a solid safety profile with an overall crime rate of 73.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This is reflected in its safety score of 83/100, positioning it well above the UK average of 79. The crime trend in Bracknell is currently described as stable, with a modest -3.6% change year-over-year. While the property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 is also below the UK average of 32.2, it remains a key area of focus for local residents. This data suggests that while Bracknell is a safe town, it experiences the typical crime patterns of a busy urban centre, particularly regarding retail and vehicle-related incidents.

In Bracknell, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which make up 38.4% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 28.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (14.1%), followed by shoplifting (8.8%). These top three categories reflect the challenges common to urban settlements with significant retail and nightlife activity.

Property crime is a significant factor for Bracknell residents, with an overall property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people. This includes vehicle crime (6.2%), 'other theft' (7.1%), and burglary (2.9%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.6% to the total. For homeowners, the data shows that vehicle crime and general theft are more frequent than residential burglary, which occurs at a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 people. While the overall safety score remains high, the concentration of property-related offences highlights the need for robust security measures, particularly for vehicle protection and deterring opportunistic theft in residential neighbourhoods.

The crime trend in Bracknell is currently stable, with a modest -3.6% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. This indicates that the town is maintaining its safety levels without significant volatility.

The monthly data for 2025 reveals a peak in criminal activity during the summer, with the crime rate reaching 7.1 in July and 6.8 in August. This was preceded by a relatively consistent spring, where rates hovered around 6.2 to 6.7. Toward the end of the year, there was a notable decline, with the crime rate dropping to 5.9 in October and November, and finally reaching its lowest point of 5.0 in December. This year-end improvement is a positive sign for residents, suggesting that the town became safer as the year concluded. The overall stability of the -3.6% trend means that while there are monthly fluctuations, the long-term safety outlook for Bracknell remains predictable and secure.

How To Keep Safe in Bracknell

The highest crime category in Bracknell is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. As a busy urban centre, staying safe involves both personal awareness and property vigilance.

1. Urban Awareness: When moving through the town centre or near transport hubs, especially during peak afternoon and evening hours, stay alert and keep high-value items like smartphones out of sight.
2. Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime making up 47% of night-time offences, always park in well-lit areas or secure garages, and never leave valuables inside the car overnight.
3. Home Deterrence: Use visible security measures such as motion-activated lighting and professional-grade security signage. Burglars often decide within a minute whether to target a property; a visible deterrent makes them move on.
4. Commuter Safety: If you commute via Bracknell station, try to use well-populated routes when walking home and avoid poorly lit shortcuts during the evening.
5. Report Retail Concerns: If you witness shoplifting or anti-social behaviour in commercial areas, report it to the onsite security or police to help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

In Bracknell, crime patterns are strongly influenced by the town's daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 46% and 50% of crimes respectively. This coincides with the operation of retail centres and the movement of the commuting population. As the day progresses into the evening, the focus shifts toward 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which make up 48% of incidents during this time.

The night-time period presents a different risk profile, where vehicle crime becomes the most significant concern, accounting for 47% of all recorded offences between 12 am and 6 am. Burglary also remains a consistent threat throughout the late afternoon and night, with 13% of burglaries occurring in each of these periods. This data indicates that while retail-related theft is a daytime issue, property and vehicle owners face their highest risks during the hours of darkness when streets are quieter and properties are more vulnerable.

Bracknell serves as the primary urban hub for the surrounding area, and its crime rate of 73.7 per 1,000 reflects this. When compared to smaller neighbouring settlements, it has a higher crime volume than Newell Green (34.0) and Binfield (30.2), which are more residential and rural in character. Winkfield Row also shows a much lower rate of 14.1. However, Bracknell remains a safe urban choice within Berkshire, offering a balance between significant economic activity and a safety score that is higher than many comparable UK towns. For those looking at the region, Bracknell provides the most amenities while maintaining a crime rate that is still well below the national average.

In Bracknell, where property crime sits at 25.6 per 1,000 people, the limitations of traditional security are clear. Most standard CCTV systems or DIY doorbells are reactive; they record a crime while it is happening or after the fact, providing little more than a video of the event. To truly secure a home in an urban environment like Bracknell, proactive protection is required.

The scOS AI-powered security system is built on this principle of prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your entire property boundary simultaneously, identifying potential threats before they escalate. It can distinguish between a family member and a stranger, and its autonomous response—using lights and sound—can deter a burglar in the critical 60 seconds they take to evaluate a target. For Bracknell residents, where vehicle crime is a notable 6.2% of all incidents, scOS’s ability to verify vehicle plates adds an extra layer of security that traditional systems simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI means stopping the crime before it reaches your door.