Reading Crime Rate

Reading recorded a crime rate of 102.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is 12.3% above the national average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a higher level of criminal activity compared to the rest of the UK. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent crimes, followed by shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. While crime rates have remained relatively stable year-on-year, certain categories, such as robbery, have seen an increase. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics in Reading, offering insights into crime trends and practical safety advice for residents and visitors.

Reading's crime profile reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 36.2% of all reported crimes (7566 incidents). Following this, shoplifting is a significant concern, with 2985 incidents, representing 13.9% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour also contributes considerably, with 2276 incidents, or 10.6% of the total. The overall property crime rate in Reading stands at 42.6 per 1,000 residents annually. The prevalence of these crimes reflects a complex interplay of factors including population density, socioeconomic conditions, and the area's role as a regional hub for commerce and employment. While these figures provide a snapshot of criminal activity, it’s important to consider that crime statistics are influenced by reporting rates and police recording practices.

Overall crime in Reading has remained relatively stable year-on-year, with a 1.0% change. While Violence and sexual offences are stable, with a 2.2% increase, Robbery has seen a concerning rise of 12.5%. The monthly crime rate peaked in July 2025 at 9.8 per 1,000 residents and was at its lowest in February 2025 at 6.8 per 1,000, showing some fluctuation throughout the period, but maintaining a consistent overall trend.

How To Keep Safe in Reading

Given the prevalence of Violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Secure your property by ensuring doors and windows are locked and consider installing an alarm system, ideally one with proactive threat detection capabilities. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to reduce the risk of theft, particularly shoplifting, which is a significant concern in Reading.

Crimes in Reading tend to follow a daily pattern. Burglary is more frequent during the night (12am - 6am), while Vehicle crime also sees a spike during these hours. Theft is more common during commercial hours (9am-5pm), and Violence and sexual offences are more prevalent in the evening (6pm-12am), particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can help you adjust your behaviour and take precautions accordingly.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Reading's crime rate is higher than Caversham (49.2 per 1,000), Woodley (42.0 per 1,000), and significantly higher than Sonning (34.2 per 1,000). Sonning, with its considerably lower crime rate, represents a safer alternative for those seeking a lower-risk environment.

Traditional CCTV systems primarily record incidents after they've occurred. However, in Reading, where the crime rate is above average, proactive protection is key. Consider a system like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system. Unlike traditional systems that react, scOS prevents crime by detecting threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning. This element of surprise can be a powerful deterrent, making those 60 seconds count – often enough to make would-be intruders move on.