Cold Ash Crime Rate

Cold Ash is one of the safest residential areas in the West Berkshire region, boasting an impressively low crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000 people. This is far below the UK average of 91.7, resulting in an exceptional safety score of 97/100. Furthermore, the crime trend in Cold Ash is significantly decreasing, with a 27.4% reduction in offences over the last year. These statistics highlight a very secure and peaceful community, where criminal activity is the exception rather than the rule. For residents and prospective homeowners, Cold Ash offers a level of safety that is difficult to match elsewhere in the country. The data below provides a detailed look at the types of crime and temporal patterns in this highly secure area.

Cold Ash is an exceptionally low-crime area, with violence and sexual offences being the most reported category, though the actual count is very low (36 incidents, or 3.2 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime follow, both with 17 reported incidents (1.5 per 1,000).

Property crime in Cold Ash is very rare, occurring at a rate of just 5.2 per 1,000 people—a fraction of the UK average of 32.3. This includes 15 'other thefts', 11 burglaries, and 8 incidents of criminal damage and arson. For residents, these figures represent a very high level of security. While the presence of vehicle crime and burglary, however small, suggests that basic vigilance is still required, the overall statistical risk to property and person in Cold Ash is among the lowest in the region. Homeowners here enjoy a level of safety that is far superior to most urban environments in the UK.

The crime trend in Cold Ash is exceptionally positive, showing a significant 27.4% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data for the period of December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low activity, rarely exceeding 1.2 crimes per 1,000 residents in any given month.

The year began with rates of 0.8 in December and 1.2 in January. Following this, the rate remained very stable, fluctuating between 0.6 and 1.1 throughout the spring and summer. There were no seasonal spikes or surges in activity, with October and November both ending at 1.1. This sustained downward trend, starting from an already low base, cements Cold Ash's position as one of the safest and most improving areas in the West Berkshire region.

How To Keep Safe in Cold Ash

Cold Ash is an exceptionally safe area, but maintaining basic safety habits ensures it stays that way. Violence and sexual offences are the most reported category, though the actual volume is very small.

1. Even in low-crime areas, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night, staying to well-lit residential streets.
2. Vehicle crime is one of the few categories with any notable activity. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, windows are closed, and no valuables are left on display, especially overnight.
3. 57% of vehicle crime in Cold Ash happens at night. If you have a garage or gated driveway, make sure to use it to further reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
4. Keep your home security up to date. While burglary is rare, a visible security system or proactive AI protection like scOS can act as a powerful deterrent.
5. Engage with your neighbours and local community watch groups. In small, safe communities, looking out for one another is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime.

Due to the very low volume of crime in Cold Ash, patterns are subtle but present. Theft is most common during the morning (43%) and afternoon (48%), likely relating to daytime visitors or deliveries. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (27%) and evening (25%).

The most distinct temporal pattern is found in vehicle crime, with 57% of all such incidents occurring during the night (12am-6am). This suggests that while daytime activity is minimal and mostly opportunistic theft, the night-time period is when vehicles are most at risk. 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, are more evenly spread but see a slight rise in the evening (28%). Overall, the data suggests that maintaining vehicle security overnight is the most important temporal consideration for Cold Ash residents.

Cold Ash sits in a very low-crime pocket of West Berkshire. Its rate of 11.1 is significantly lower than nearby Thatcham (69.2), Hermitage (32.5), and Upper Bucklebury (53.2). While the immediate neighbours of Ashmore Green and Curridge report 0.0 crimes per 1,000, Cold Ash itself is clearly a standout for safety among active settlements. For anyone prioritising security and a quiet residential life, Cold Ash compares extremely favourably to almost any other area in the region, offering a serene environment with very little criminal activity.

With a property crime rate of just 5.2 per 1,000, Cold Ash is a model of residential safety. However, even in such a secure area, homeowners often seek the best possible protection to maintain their peace of mind. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing evidence of a crime only after it has occurred.

scOS provides a proactive alternative that is perfectly suited for high-value residential areas like Cold Ash. Its AI-driven system monitors the property boundary, identifying potential threats before they can escalate. In Cold Ash, where vehicle crime is one of the few notable (though still rare) issues, scOS can detect unauthorised presence near a vehicle and activate deterrents autonomously. This proactive stance ensures that your home stays protected by preventing opportunistic crime from ever taking place, maintaining the high safety standards that Cold Ash is known for.