Car crime in Newbury and Thatcham: 2026 figures
Newbury recorded 149 vehicle crimes in the 12 months to April 2026, a rate of 3.36 per 1,000 residents. Thatcham, next door, recorded 50, a rate of 1.83.
Here are the figures, what they mean, and what actually protects a car on the drive.
The figures
| Area | Vehicle crimes (12 months) | Per 1,000 residents | 3-year trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newbury | 149 | 3.36 | up 184% |
| Thatcham | 50 | 1.83 | not published |
| Berkshire | 4.01 | ||
| South East | 3.22 |
Source: CrimeRate, using police-recorded crime published on police.uk for the 12 months ending April 2026. "Vehicle crime" covers thefts of vehicles, thefts from vehicles and interfering with vehicles. Rates are per 1,000 residents. Figures are rounded and change monthly.
Newbury's rising trend
Newbury's rate is below the Berkshire average of 4.01 but above the South East's 3.22. The bigger story is the direction. CrimeRate's three-year trend for vehicle crime in Newbury is up 184%, from a low starting point.
Thatcham's rate is about half of Newbury's.
What it means for you
If you're in Newbury with a keyless car, the trend supports taking it seriously. In Thatcham the risk is lower, but relay thieves pick cars, not towns. Start with the cheap steps, then decide whether you want something that physically stops the car leaving.
How to protect your car
1. Block the key signal. Keep your keys in a signal-blocking pouch or tin at night, away from the front door. It costs a few pounds and stops relay theft, as long as you use it every night.
2. Make the car hard to drive. A steering lock is cheap and visible. Some cars can also have a PIN-code immobiliser fitted.
3. Stop the car leaving. A telescopic bollard locked in front of the car means it can't be driven off the drive, however it was unlocked. If you're on one of the newer estates, such as those around the racecourse, check your covenants before fitting anything at the front of the house.
More on how relay theft works in our keyless car theft guide.
Questions people ask
Where can I see crime on my own street? police.uk maps reported crimes month by month. Search your postcode.
Does a bollard stop my car being broken into? No. It stops the car being driven away. Pair it with a signal-blocking pouch.
Do you fit in Newbury and Thatcham? Yes. See our Newbury and Thatcham page for prices and the areas we cover.
Protect your car on the drive
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