Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
RG23 · Hampshire
35
crimes in April 2026
Below national average
RG1 · Reading
837
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
Basingstoke has less crime — 35 vs 837 incidents in April 2026.
Reading recorded substantially more crime than Basingstoke in April 2026 — 837 incidents compared to 35, a 23.9x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Basingstoke sees higher rates of Burglary (5) and Public order (5), while Reading has more Shoplifting (182) and Anti-social behaviour (80). Basingstoke is below the national average while Reading is above, making Basingstoke the safer choice on this measure.
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 — 35 vs 837 incidents. That is 96% fewer crimes. Basingstoke is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Basingstoke saw higher rates of Burglary and Public order while Reading had more Shoplifting and Anti-social behaviour. Overall, Basingstoke recorded fewer total crimes (35 vs 837).