Basingstoke vs Reading — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Basingstoke

RG22 · Hampshire

162

crimes in April 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences71
  • Anti-social behaviour28
  • Criminal damage & arson19

Reading

RG30 · Reading

354

crimes in April 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences152
  • Anti-social behaviour44
  • Criminal damage & arson32

Basingstoke has less crime — 162 vs 354 incidents in April 2026.

What the data shows

Reading recorded notably higher crime than Basingstoke in April 2026 — 354 vs 162 incidents. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Reading records significantly more (152 vs 71 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 April 2026 Police data, Basingstoke recorded fewer crimes than Reading — 162 vs 354 incidents. That is 54% fewer crimes. Reading 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 April 2026, Basingstoke recorded 71 incidents of this type vs 152 in Reading. Overall, Basingstoke had fewer total crimes (162 vs 354).

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