BASINGSTOKE has been named the third most dangerous major town in Hampshire, according to new figures.

But, comparatively, the town has also been named the 35th safest in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according to CrimeRate.co.uk - a data analyst and GIS project.

As of 2022, the crime rate in Basingstoke is seven per cent higher than the rest of the South East and 0.26 per cent higher than the England, Wales and Northern Ireland overall average figure.

The overall crime rate in Basingstoke in 2021 was 77 crimes per 1,000 people, the figures revealed.

READ MORE: The latest crime news from Basingstoke

However, this was better than Hampshire's overall crime rate, which was 80 per 1,000 residents.

The number of reported crimes in Basingstoke increased in 2021, when compared to 2020. But both 2021 and 2020 had fewer crimes than the previous three years.

Historical crime rates for Basingstoke

In Hampshire, Havant and Gosport have a higher crime rate than Basingstoke. Fareham and Farnborough reported a lower crime rate than Basingstoke.

However, Basingstoke is second in Hampshire among major towns for total number of reported crimes.

Basingstoke compared to nearby major towns

Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crimes in both Basingstoke and Hampshire.

While Basingstoke reported 4,422 cases in 2021, Hampshire reported a whopping 67,127 cases.

Violence and sexual offences constitute to around 42 per cent of all cases in Basingstoke. In Hampshire, these offences constitute to nearly 38 per cent of all cases.


Number of crimes in Basingstoke and Hampshire in 2021

The number of violent and sexual offences in Basingstoke in 2021 is 12 per cent higher than 2020's figure of 3,931 offences.

Basingstoke's least common crime is theft from a person, with 68 offences recorded in 2021, an increase of eight per cent from 2020's figure of 63 crimes.

Anti-social behaviour and disturbance to public order are the second and third highest crimes in both Basingstoke and Hampshire. 

Rate of crimes in Basingstoke and Hampshire in 2021

Crimerate.co.uk combines open police force data, social media signals and FOI requests with local police departments.

Commenting on the figures, District Commander for Basingstoke, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said: “Basingstoke is a safe town for people to live and work, but as Hampshire’s largest town outside of our cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, and with its close links to London and our transport networks, it does require focus on some key policing areas.

“Our number one priority is to reduce violence and in doing so make the town and district safer.

“We will continue to work to tackle violence associated with county lines drug dealing, domestic abuse and incidents related to the night-time economy, specifically sexual offences.

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“As part of our focus on violent crime, we have a dedicated team whose role is to tackle offenders causing harm relating to drug supply, whilst protecting those who are on the periphery of criminality made vulnerable through drug use.

“Earlier this month, a dedicated team of officers seized more than £3,400 in cash and arrested five people during County Lines Intensification Week.

“A man was charged following a proactive operation which saw officers attend an address in the town.

“My thanks goes to the officers whose actions hopefully sent a strong message to drug dealers that these kind of offences will not be tolerated in the district.

“Tackling domestic abuse is also a priority and we will maintain our focus on supporting victims and working with other agencies to change the behaviour of perpetrators.

“We are also continuing our work to tackle violence against women and girls and we will continue to work with licensed premises, security staff and other agencies to reassure those enjoying a night out and target potential perpetrators.

“I am grateful to have such a dedicated team of colleagues and partners who work tirelessly to make Basingstoke and Deane a safe place.

“The team in Basingstoke work incredibly hard to keep people safe and tackle issues that matter to our communities.”