Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
RG21 · Hampshire
373
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
RG1 · Reading
837
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
Basingstoke has less crime — 373 vs 837 incidents in April 2026.
Reading recorded notably higher crime than Basingstoke in April 2026 — 837 vs 373 incidents. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Basingstoke sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (35), while Reading has more Shoplifting (182). Both areas are above the national average for recorded crime; the full 24-month reports break down the trends and outcomes in detail.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on April 2026 Police data, Basingstoke recorded fewer crimes than Reading — 373 vs 837 incidents. That is 55% fewer crimes. Reading is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Basingstoke saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Reading had more Shoplifting. Overall, Basingstoke recorded fewer total crimes (373 vs 837).