2020 is almost over (luckily) and we have taken a look back at the year – in crime.
Like any big town, Reading sees its fair share of lawbreaking.
But with lockdowns and a global pandemic affecting all aspects of life, what has this meant for crime levels in the town?
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Police figures reveal which crime was the most commonly reported this year, as well as which month saw the most crime.
The five most common crimes of 2020 in Reading were:
1. Violence and sexual offences
Between November 2019 and October 2020 (the latest stats available), 1,798 (31.4 per cent) cases of violences an/or sexual offences were reported in Reading.
2. Antisocial behaviour
In the same period, 621 cases of antisocial behaviour were reported (10.8 per cent).
3. Shoplifting
The third most commonly reported crime was shoplifting, making up 502 reports (8.8 per cent).
4. ‘Other’ theft
Theft besides shoplifting made up 484 reports (8.4 per cent).
5. Public order
The fifth most common crime was public order offences, making up 410 reports (7.2 per cent).
READ MORE: Thieves steal BOILERS from several properties in neighbourhood
September saw the most crime in the town, with 593 reported.
February was a close second, with 565 crimes.
This makes sense when considering that the first lockdown was implemented in March, and restrictions began to ease around September, before a second lockdown began and the tier system was elevated.
The stats for the rest of the year are as follows:
- Aug 2020 – 564 (9.8 per cent)
- Nov 2019 – 523 (9.1 per cent)
- Oct 2020 – 514 (9 per cent)
- Dec 2019 – 508 (8.9 per cent)
- Jan 2020 – 503 (8.8 per cent)
- Jul 2020 – 495 (8.6 per cent)
- Mar 2020 – 451 (7.9 per cent)
- Jun 2020 – 373 (6.5 per cent)
- May 2020 – 356 (6.2 per cent)
- Apr 2020 – 283 (4.9 per cent)