Basingstoke vs Reading — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Basingstoke

RG24 · Hampshire

230

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences88
  • Anti-social behaviour31
  • Shoplifting24

Reading

RG31 · Reading

113

crimes in February 2026

Near national average

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

Reading has less crime — 113 vs 230 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Basingstoke recorded notably higher crime than Reading in February 2026 — 230 vs 113 incidents. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Basingstoke records significantly more (88 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 230 incidents. That is 51% 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 88 incidents of this type vs 34 in Reading. Overall, Reading had fewer total crimes (113 vs 230).

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