Newbury vs Reading — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Newbury

RG14 · West Berkshire

250

crimes in April 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences85
  • Anti-social behaviour43
  • Criminal damage & arson30

Reading

RG2 · Reading

172

crimes in April 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences70
  • Shoplifting23
  • Other theft19

Reading has less crime — 172 vs 250 incidents in April 2026.

What the data shows

Newbury saw somewhat more crime than Reading in April 2026 (250 vs 172 incidents). The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Newbury sees higher rates of Anti-social behaviour (43) and Criminal damage & arson (30), while Reading has more Shoplifting (23) and Other theft (19). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Newbury or Reading safer?

Based on April 2026 Police data, Reading recorded fewer crimes than Newbury — 172 vs 250 incidents. That is 31% fewer crimes. Newbury is above the national average.

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

The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Newbury saw higher rates of Anti-social behaviour and Criminal damage & arson while Reading had more Shoplifting and Other theft. Overall, Reading recorded fewer total crimes (172 vs 250).

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