Reading Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Reading

Reading, with a population of 182,907, records an overall crime rate of 106.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is slightly above the national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a higher incidence of reported crimes compared to many other areas across the UK. The property crime rate in Reading stands at 45.7 per 1,000 residents, also exceeding the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Despite these figures, Reading maintains a safety score of 75 out of 100, which is just below the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, the crime trend in Reading has remained stable, experiencing a minor decrease of 1.7%. This section provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, trends, and safety information for the area.

About Reading

Reading, a significant urban centre in Berkshire, is characterised by its vibrant mix of commercial, residential, and industrial areas. Its position as a major transport hub, particularly with its extensive rail links, contributes to a dynamic and often transient population. The town centre is a bustling commercial and retail hub, attracting both residents and visitors, which can influence certain crime types. Major employers, particularly within the tech sector, draw a diverse workforce. The presence of a lively nightlife also plays a role in the local crime landscape. Understanding these characteristics helps in contextualising Reading's crime rate and safety score, reflecting the complexities of a thriving urban environment.

Crime Type Analysis in Reading

An analysis of crime types in Reading reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 6,757 crimes, or 36.9 per 1,000 residents, representing 34.6% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting is the second most common offence, with 2,747 crimes (15.0 per 1,000, 14.1% of total), reflecting the commercial activity within the area. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third most frequent crime type, with 2,062 incidents (11.3 per 1,000, 10.6% of total).

Considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, other theft, and shoplifting, Reading recorded a total of 8,360 incidents. This equates to a property crime rate of 45.7 per 1,000 residents. For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of securing personal property and being aware of surroundings, particularly concerning theft and vehicle-related offences. While violence and sexual offences are the most numerous, the significant volume of property crime underscores the need for robust security measures.

Crime Trends in Reading

Over the past year, Reading has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight decrease of 1.7% in overall reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. Crime rates were notably lower in the early months of 2025, reaching 7.1 per 1,000 in February. However, there was a noticeable increase in March (9.1) and May (9.9), with July peaking at 10.0 and August at 10.4 per 1,000. The most recent data for September 2025 shows the rate at 8.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight reduction from the summer highs. This stable trend suggests that while there isn't a significant rise or fall, residents should remain vigilant, especially during periods of increased activity, such as the summer months.

Regional Crime Context: Reading and Neighbouring Areas

To provide a broader perspective, it's helpful to compare Reading's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. Reading's overall crime rate of 106.7 per 1,000 and safety score of 75/100 place it within a regional context. For instance, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, and West Berkshire generally report lower crime rates and higher safety scores, reflecting their more suburban or rural characteristics. South Oxfordshire and Hart also typically present more favourable crime statistics. In contrast, Windsor and Maidenhead, another area with significant urban and tourist elements, might exhibit crime patterns more comparable to Reading in certain categories. This regional comparison highlights Reading's position as a more urbanised centre, which often correlates with higher crime rates when compared to less densely populated surrounding districts. Understanding these local variations can help residents and prospective movers assess the relative safety of different areas within the region.

Protecting Your Property in Reading

Given Reading's property crime rate of 45.7 per 1,000 residents, ensuring your home is well-protected is a key consideration for homeowners. While traditional security measures like CCTV cameras can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. For those seeking proactive protection, advanced security systems offer a different approach.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to prevent crime before it happens. Unlike systems that merely notify you after a break-in, scOS actively detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that never misses a detail. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities distinguish between genuine threats and routine activities, reducing false alarms. The system's autonomous response can activate lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and often causing potential intruders to move on within seconds. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible, professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection and makes them rethink. If you are looking for a security solution that intervenes in real-time and prioritises prevention over reactive recording, exploring such proactive options is a worthwhile investment for safeguarding your property in Reading.