Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
RG20 · West Berkshire
123
crimes in February 2026
Near national average
RG30 · Reading
290
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
Newbury has less crime — 123 vs 290 incidents in February 2026.
Reading recorded notably higher crime than Newbury in February 2026 — 290 vs 123 incidents. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Newbury sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (17), while Reading has more Public order (30). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Newbury recorded fewer crimes than Reading — 123 vs 290 incidents. That is 58% fewer crimes. Reading is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Newbury saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Reading had more Public order. Overall, Newbury recorded fewer total crimes (123 vs 290).