Hungerford Crime Rate

Hungerford's crime rate of 63.7 per 1,000 residents is 30% below the UK average, yet burglary rates are 11% above the UK average. This contrast highlights the need to address specific vulnerabilities while celebrating the town's overall safety. Despite a 13.1% year-on-year decrease in crime, the persistence of burglary suggests targeted security measures may be required in certain areas.

Hungerford is a historic market town in West Berkshire, known for its cobblestone streets and proximity to the River Kennet. As a built-up area with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourism-related activity, it experiences unique crime patterns. The town's compact layout and reliance on local businesses may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order issues, while its quieter, less densely populated outskirts may see elevated burglary rates due to older housing stock.

The most surprising finding is that Hungerford's burglary rate (3.8 per 1,000) is 11% above the UK average (3.4), despite the town's overall crime rate being 30.2% below the UK average. This suggests a concentrated risk in specific properties or areas. Anti-social behaviour (6.8 per 1,000) is 54% below the UK average, likely reflecting the town's smaller population and community-oriented character. Shoplifting (1.9 per 1,000) is 75% below the UK average, which may be attributed to the limited retail footprint compared to larger urban centres. Violence and sexual offences (29.4 per 1,000) are 9% below the UK average, possibly due to the town's lower population density and fewer nightlife venues. The sharp 50% YoY drop in theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000) could indicate improved street lighting or heightened public awareness.

Crime in Hungerford has decreased by 13.1% year-on-year, with theft from the person falling by 50% — the steepest decline of any category. This drop may reflect improved street lighting or heightened public awareness. However, burglary has increased by 22.2% YoY, a concerning reversal that may be linked to seasonal factors or localized vulnerabilities. The overall decline is likely driven by reduced public order incidents (-28.2% YoY) and falling shoplifting rates (-42.1% YoY), though these trends contrast with the rising burglary figures. Monthly data shows a clear seasonal pattern, with crime peaking in May and troughing in December, possibly tied to tourism and retail cycles.

How To Keep Safe in Hungerford

For burglary prevention, install motion-sensor lighting and consider scOS's proactive boundary detection system, which identifies threats before break-ins occur. Secure vehicles in well-lit areas, as vehicle crime spikes overnight. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight during the day, especially in the town centre where theft from the person has dropped by 91% YoY. Stay vigilant during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), when theft peaks, and report suspicious activity through local Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Crime in Hungerford shows distinct patterns by time of day. Burglary spikes at night (31% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely linked to isolated homes in quieter outskirts. Theft peaks in the afternoon (42% of incidents between 12pm-6pm), possibly tied to commercial activity and retail hours. Vehicle crime rises sharply overnight (20% of incidents between 12am-6am), reflecting the town's commuter parking and limited overnight surveillance. Other crimes are most common in the evening (52% of incidents between 6pm-12am), possibly associated with local social events or transient populations.

Compared to Kintbury, which has a crime rate of 36.6 per 1,000, Hungerford's rate is 74% higher. Kintbury's lower rate likely reflects its more rural character and fewer commercial areas. Hungerford's compact built-up area and higher population density may contribute to its relatively higher crime rate, despite the town's overall safety score being 5 points above the UK average.

Home security in Hungerford should focus on burglary prevention given the 11% above-average rate. scOS's proactive boundary detection can identify intruders before they enter properties, while DVLA vehicle registration verification helps deter vehicle crime, which spikes at night. Multi-camera monitoring with behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, ensuring residents are alerted only to genuine threats. These features are particularly valuable in Hungerford's outskirts, where burglary rates are elevated.