Basingstoke vs Reading — Crime Comparison 2026

Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.

Basingstoke

RG21 · Hampshire

351

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences134
  • Shoplifting46
  • Anti-social behaviour42

Reading

RG31 · Reading

113

crimes in February 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences34
  • Shoplifting31
  • Anti-social behaviour15

Reading has less crime — 113 vs 351 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Basingstoke recorded substantially more crime than Reading in February 2026 — 351 incidents compared to 113, a 3.1x difference. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Basingstoke records significantly more (134 vs 34 incidents). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Basingstoke or Reading safer?

Based on February 2026 Police data, Reading recorded fewer crimes than Basingstoke — 113 vs 351 incidents. That is 68% fewer crimes. Basingstoke is above the national average.

What are the main differences in crime between Basingstoke and Reading?

Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their top crime category. In February 2026, Basingstoke recorded 134 incidents of this type vs 34 in Reading. Overall, Reading had fewer total crimes (113 vs 351).

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