Thatcham Crime Rate

Thatcham is a well-regarded residential town with a crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000 people. This is notably safer than the UK average of 91.7, earning the town a high safety score of 83/100. The crime trend in Thatcham is currently stable, with only a marginal 0.6% increase over the last 12 months. These figures reflect a community that is generally peaceful and secure, especially when compared to larger urban centres. While no area is entirely free from crime, Thatcham's statistics suggest a lower risk for residents and property owners alike. The following data provides a deeper look into the specific crime types and time patterns that define Thatcham's safety landscape.

In Thatcham, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant 42.6% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 18.2%, followed by shoplifting at 8.5%. These three categories represent the primary concerns for local residents and police.

Property crime in Thatcham occurs at a rate of 19.7 per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 32.3. This includes 102 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 89 'other thefts', and 77 vehicle crimes. Burglary is relatively rare, with only 41 reported cases (2.3% of total crime). For homeowners, this data is encouraging, as it suggests that while personal safety and public order are the main focus of local statistics, the risk of serious property intrusion or theft is lower than in many other urban areas. However, the presence of vehicle crime and criminal damage indicates that basic security remains important.

Thatcham's crime rate has remained remarkably consistent over the last year, with a stable trend showing a minor 0.6% increase. Monthly analysis from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the year started with a low point in February at 4.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.

The rate saw a steady increase through the spring, reaching its peak in May at 7.1. Throughout the summer and early autumn, crime levels fluctuated between 5.2 and 6.4, showing no significant sustained surges. The year concluded with a notable drop to 4.6 in November. This pattern suggests a very stable environment with typical seasonal variations but no underlying increase in criminal activity, reinforcing Thatcham's status as a safe residential area.

How To Keep Safe in Thatcham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Thatcham. While the town is generally safe, staying aware of your surroundings is the best way to maintain personal security.

1. Stick to well-lit paths and main roads when walking at night. Avoid shortcuts through quiet residential areas or parks if you are alone.
2. Be mindful of vehicle security, especially overnight. Since 39% of vehicle crime in Thatcham occurs between midnight and 6am, always double-check that your car is locked and no valuables are visible.
3. Report anti-social behaviour to the local police. This helps them identify trends and prevents minor issues from escalating into more serious incidents.
4. If you live near commercial areas where shoplifting is more frequent, be extra vigilant about your personal belongings and home security.
5. Consider a proactive home security system like scOS that can detect and deter intruders at your property line, providing peace of mind in a residential setting.

Crime timing in Thatcham reveals specific risks throughout the day. Theft is most prevalent during the morning (43%) and afternoon (47%), clearly aligned with local retail and business hours. During these times, burglary risk is also present, peaking at 15% in the afternoon.

As the day transitions to evening and night, the crime profile changes. Evening hours (6pm-12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 53% of incidents. The night-time period (12am-6am) is the most significant for vehicle crime, which accounts for 39% of reports during these hours. Burglary also reaches its highest point at night (16%). These patterns indicate that while daytime risks are largely opportunistic and theft-based, the night-time presents a specific challenge for vehicle and residential security.

In the local context, Thatcham's crime rate of 69.2 is higher than some of its more rural neighbours. For instance, Upper Bucklebury has a rate of 53.2, and Greenham sits at 38.5. Other nearby areas like Ashmore Green and Bishop's Green report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset. This is expected, as Thatcham is a more densely populated urban area with more commercial activity than the surrounding villages. Despite being the busiest area in its immediate vicinity, Thatcham remains a very safe option when compared to national crime averages, offering a secure environment within the West Berkshire region.

Homeowners in Thatcham benefit from a property crime rate of 19.7 per 1,000, which is well below the national average. However, the presence of vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour suggests that proactive security is still a wise investment. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive, only alerting you once a window has been broken or a car door opened.

scOS changes this dynamic by using AI to provide proactive protection. It monitors your property boundary and can distinguish between normal activity and potential threats. In an area like Thatcham, where 39% of vehicle crime happens at night, scOS’s ability to autonomously activate deterrents like lights or audio warnings can prevent a crime before it even starts. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS ensures that your home remains part of Thatcham's low-crime statistics rather than becoming a data point.