Reading Crime Rate

Reading features a crime rate of 105.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This is reflected in the area's safety score of 76/100, positioned slightly below the UK average safety benchmark of 79/100. Despite these figures, the recent trend direction for Reading is stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. As a major commercial and transport hub, Reading's statistics are typical for a high-activity urban centre. Understanding the detailed breakdown of these offences and the monthly fluctuations is essential for residents and business owners to effectively manage their security. The following sections provide a deeper analysis of these crime patterns and regional comparisons.

Reading is a major commercial and transport hub in the Thames Valley, which significantly influences its crime statistics. As a large town with a high population density, it experiences the typical challenges of an urban environment. The presence of a major university, a thriving nightlife scene, and a large transient population—due to its excellent rail links to London—contributes to its crime profile. The town's status as a premier retail destination also plays a role, particularly in the high rates of shoplifting and theft. Economic factors, including a mix of affluent areas and pockets of deprivation, combined with the high volume of daily commuters and visitors, create an environment where opportunistic and urban-related crimes are more frequent than in surrounding suburban districts. Reading's safety profile is therefore a reflection of its dynamic, high-activity character.

In Reading, the crime statistics are topped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.0% of all reports, or 37.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is also highly prevalent, making up 13.8% of total crime, followed by anti-social behaviour at 10.5%. These figures reflect the town's busy urban nature and its role as a major retail centre.

Property crime is a significant factor for Reading residents, with an overall rate of 44.8 per 1,000 people. This includes 1,527 incidents of other theft, 1,025 vehicle crimes, and 648 burglaries. Additionally, bicycle theft is a notable issue, with 481 reports, likely linked to the town's high student population and commuter activity. Criminal damage and arson also accounted for 1,187 incidents. For homeowners, the combined volume of theft and burglary highlights the importance of robust property security. While burglary represents 3.3% of total crime, the broader property crime rate is well above the national average, indicating a persistent risk of opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Reading is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern with some seasonal variations. The year began with a crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 in December, remaining steady through the winter.

A noticeable increase occurred during the spring and summer months, with the crime rate rising to 9.9 in May and reaching a peak of 10.4 in August 2025. Following this summer high, the rate settled back down to 8.7 by November. This peak during the warmer months is a common trend in urban areas, often associated with increased footfall and public activity. For Reading residents, these statistics indicate that while the annual outlook is steady, the summer period requires a slightly higher level of vigilance regarding personal safety and property security.

Reading's crime profile is notably different from its more suburban and rural neighbours. When compared to Wokingham, which has a much lower crime rate of 46.4 per 1,000, Reading is significantly more active. Other nearby areas such as Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Hart, and Windsor and Maidenhead all reported crime rates near 0.0 per 1,000 in recent comparative data. This highlights Reading's role as the primary urban and commercial focus of the region. While these neighbouring areas offer a quieter safety environment, they lack the extensive amenities and infrastructure that define Reading. For those moving within the region, this contrast is an important factor in choosing between a high-activity urban setting and a more tranquil suburban local authority.

In Reading, where the property crime rate is 44.8 per 1,000 people, standard security measures often fail to provide adequate protection. Traditional CCTV and DIY alarm systems are largely reactive; they might record a crime or alert you after a break-in has occurred, but they rarely prevent it. For homeowners in a busy urban area like Reading, a proactive approach is necessary to stay ahead of opportunistic criminals.

scOS offers a sophisticated AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and unauthorised vehicles before an entry is even attempted. The system's ability to autonomously respond with light and sound deterrence can stop a criminal in their tracks, often causing them to move on to an easier target. In a town like Reading, where theft and vehicle crime are prevalent, having a system that actively defends your property perimeter provides a level of security that traditional recording-only devices simply cannot match. Moving to proactive AI protection is the most effective way to secure your home in a high-activity urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Reading

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Reading, particularly in high-traffic urban areas. Staying aware and following practical safety tips can help residents and visitors stay safe.

1. Be Mindful in the Town Centre: When visiting Reading's central shopping and nightlife districts, stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid using mobile phones or headphones in busy areas, as this can reduce your situational awareness.
2. Stick to Well-Lit Routes: When walking at night, especially near the university or the train station, use main roads and well-lit paths. Avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.
3. Secure Your Vehicle: Given the rate of vehicle crime, always lock your car and ensure no valuables, including bags or electronics, are left on display. Use secure parking facilities whenever possible.
4. Protect Your Bicycle: Bicycle theft is a notable issue in Reading. Use high-quality D-locks and consider registering your bike on a national database. When parking, choose busy, well-lit areas with CCTV coverage.
5. Report Business Crime: If you witness shoplifting or suspicious activity in retail areas, report it to store security or the police. This helps authorities track crime patterns and allocate resources to the town's busiest commercial zones.