Basingstoke vs Reading — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Basingstoke

RG22 · Hampshire

151

crimes in February 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences63
  • Anti-social behaviour14
  • Burglary12

Reading

RG1 · Reading

727

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences218
  • Shoplifting163
  • Public order64

Basingstoke has less crime — 151 vs 727 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Reading recorded substantially more crime than Basingstoke in February 2026 — 727 incidents compared to 151, a 4.8x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Basingstoke sees higher rates of Anti-social behaviour (14) and Burglary (12), while Reading has more Shoplifting (163) and Public order (64). 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, Basingstoke recorded fewer crimes than Reading — 151 vs 727 incidents. That is 79% fewer crimes. Reading is above the national average.

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

The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Basingstoke saw higher rates of Anti-social behaviour and Burglary while Reading had more Shoplifting and Public order. Overall, Basingstoke recorded fewer total crimes (151 vs 727).

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