Car crime in Reading: 2026 figures
Reading recorded 943 vehicle crimes in the 12 months to April 2026, the highest number of any town we cover. The rate is 4.08 per 1,000 residents, just above the Berkshire rate of 4.01.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 943 | 4.08 | down 28% |
| Earley | 72 | 1.83 | not published |
| Woodley | 45 | 1.46 | not published |
| Berkshire | 4.01 | ||
| South East | 3.22 |
Source: CrimeRate (crimerate.co.uk), using police-recorded crime 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.
Town centre vs suburbs
Reading's total is high because it's a big town. The rate is falling, down 28% over three years.
The suburbs look very different. Earley and Woodley both sit well under 2 per 1,000.
What it means for you
In central Reading, cars parked on the street are the easiest targets. If you've got a drive, a bollard takes your car out of the easy category. In the suburbs, the risk is lower on average but still real for keyless cars.
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 anyone else has a right of way over your drive, you'll need their agreement before fitting.
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 Reading? Yes. See our Reading page for prices and the areas we cover.
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