Read Crime Rate

Read is a highly safe and tranquil urban settlement in the Ribble Valley, boasting an impressive safety score of 90/100. The area's overall crime rate stands at 42.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. While the crime trend has shown an increase of 30.7% year-over-year, this rise is relative to a very low baseline, and the village remains one of the more secure locations in the region. With a property crime rate of only 11.1 per 1,000, Read offers a peaceful environment for its 2,698 residents. Understanding the local crime dynamics and timing can help maintain this high standard of safety and ensure continued community security.

Read experiences a low volume of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most significant category at 35.6% of the total, representing a rate of 15.2 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, accounting for 24.4% of recorded incidents. The third most frequent category is "other theft" at 10.4%, which often involves opportunistic crimes in residential or public settings.

Property-related crime in Read is exceptionally low at 11.1 per 1,000 people, which is roughly a third of the UK average (32.9). This category includes burglary (5.2%), vehicle crime (2.6%), and criminal damage (7.0%). For homeowners, this means that while the overall risk of a break-in or vehicle theft is statistically small, these incidents do still occur. The low frequency of property crime contributes significantly to Read's high safety score, but it also means that residents can sometimes become complacent about basic security measures.

Read has experienced a 30.7% increase in crime over the last year. While this percentage sounds significant, it is important to view it in the context of the village's very low overall crime volume. The monthly trend data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents was stable at 3.0 during the end of 2024 and start of 2025.

A gradual rise began in the spring of 2025, reaching 4.5 in May and August. The highest rate recorded was 4.8 per 1,000 in October 2025. This upward trajectory suggests a slight but steady increase in reported incidents over the 12-month period. For residents, this means that while the area remains exceptionally safe, there is a need for continued community awareness to ensure this trend does not continue. The high safety score of 90/100 indicates that despite this recent rise, Read remains one of the most secure settlements in the local authority.

How To Keep Safe in Read

The most common crime type in Read is violence and sexual offences, representing 35.6% of local incidents. While the overall number of cases is low, personal safety remains the priority. To stay safe in the area:

Stay aware of your surroundings when walking, especially during the darker winter months. Use well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.

If you are out late, try to arrange transport or walk with a friend. Always let someone know your expected arrival time if you are travelling alone.

Report any unusual or suspicious activity to the police. In a small community like Read, early reporting of anti-social behaviour can prevent incidents from escalating.

Maintain good home security, particularly for vehicles and outbuildings, as these can be targets for opportunistic "other theft," which is the third most common crime in the village. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home.

In Read, crime timing follows distinct patterns. Daytime hours are most associated with theft-related offences; a significant 62% of these occur in the morning and 65% in the afternoon. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when residents are active or away from their properties during the working day.

As night falls, the risk profile shifts toward property crime. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime reaches its peak, accounting for 29% of its total incidents. Burglary also peaks during this night-time window at 24%. Conversely, "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, are most prevalent in the evening hours (6pm to 12am), making up 39% of incidents in that period. Residents should ensure that vehicles are cleared of valuables and homes are properly secured before the evening peak, as the darkness provides cover for the few property-related offences that occur in the village.

In the local context, Read occupies a middle ground for safety within the Ribble Valley. It is slightly safer than nearby Sabden, which has a crime rate of 43.8 per 1,000. However, it is significantly more secure than the nearby town of Padiham, where the crime rate is much higher at 144.7. For those seeking the absolute lowest crime figures, the neighbouring villages of Simonstone and Altham are notable for reporting 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. Despite the recent upward trend in Read, it remains an exceptionally safe choice for residents compared to the wider regional and national averages, offering a high quality of life with minimal criminal activity.

Read’s property crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000 people is remarkably low, especially when compared to the UK average of 32.9. This suggests that while crime is rare, the incidents that do occur are often opportunistic. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or smart doorbells, are often reactive—they record a crime as it happens, providing you with footage of the event after the fact.

In a high-safety area like Read, the goal should be total prevention. This is where scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, excels. Instead of just recording, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to proactively monitor your property boundaries. It can distinguish between a delivery driver, a neighbour, and a genuine threat. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously intervene by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise before a break-in even begins. For Read homeowners, this proactive approach ensures that their properties remain unattractive to the few opportunistic criminals operating in the area, maintaining the village's high safety standards.