Australia Crime Statistics 2023-24

Understanding the national and state and territory crime rates for assault, threat, robbery, break-in, theft or stealing, property damage and police reporting rates is more than just reading numbers – it's about protecting what matters most to Australian families.

The 2023-24 Australian Bureau of Statistics Crime Victimisation Survey reveals a complex landscape of safety, where every percentage point tells a story of potential risk and resilience.

Quick links: Household crimes  |  Personal crimes  |  Demographics  |  Reporting  |  Good news  |  What this means to you

At a glance

1 in 46

households

experienced a break-in in the past year
 ( up 1.8% to 217,600 households)

1 in 5

households

were broken into multiple times
(21%)

72%

vehicle thefts

occurred when the motor vehicle was at home
(156,000 incidents)

1 in 59

Australians

experienced physical assault
(1.7% of persons or 362,800)

1 in 28

households

experienced malicious property damage
(83,900 households)

71%

of break-ins 

involved stolen property
(153,500 households)

Household crimes

Break-in

  • Victimisation Rate: 2.1% (217,600 households)
  • 75% reported the most recent incident to police
  • 71% of break-ins involved theft
  • Common items stolen:
    • Personal items (27%)
    • Bicycles/sporting equipment (16%)
    • Tools (15%)

Motor vehicle theft

  • Victimisation rate: 0.7% (72,000 households)
  • 84% reported the most recent incident to police
  • Common locations:
    • Residential areas (54%)
    • Streets/open land (32%)

Theft from motor vehicle

  • Victimisation Rate: 2.1% (217,600 households)
  • 51% reported the most recent incident to police
  • Most incidents occurred at home (72%)

Malicious property damage

  • Victimisation rate: 3.6% (381,200 households)
  • 55% reported the most recent incident to police
  • Common damaged property:
    • External doors (28%)
    • Exterior items (24%)
    • Vehicles (24%)

Personal crimes

Physical assault

  • Victimisation rate: 1.7% (362,800 persons)
  • Key insights:
    • Similar rates for males (1.8%) and females (1.6%)
    • Females more likely to be assaulted by family/intimate partners
    • Males more likely to be assaulted by strangers
  • 47% experienced two or more incidents
  • 49% reported the most recent incident to police

Face-to-face threatened assault

  • Victimisation rate: 2.1% (446,100 persons)
  • Key insights:
    • Slightly higher for males (2.3%) than females (1.8%)
  • 57% experienced two or more incidents
  • 39% reported the most recent incident to police

Sexual assault

  • Victimisation rate: 0.6% (103,800 persons aged 18+)
  • Female experience:
    • 0.9% of females aged 18+ experienced sexual assault
    • Only 19% reported the most recent incident to police
  • Male experience:
    • 0.3% of males aged 18+ experienced sexual assault

Key demographic trends

Groups more likely to experience crimes:

  • Persons aged 15-24 years
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Residents outside capital cities
  • Persons in lower-income households

Reporting trends

  • Many crimes go unreported
  • Most common reasons for not reporting:
    • Perceived as too trivial
    • Belief that police cannot help
    • Reporting to another person instead

The good news

Personal crime rates remained stable in 2023-24, including:

  • Physical assault
  • Threatened assault
  • Sexual assault
  • Robbery

Source

These statistics above come from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Crime Victimization Survey 2023-24, covering experiences over a 12-month period. The survey provides crucial insights into personal and household crimes, helping us understand safety trends across Australia. 

What this means for you

While these numbers might seem alarming, however we hope these statistics helps you take a more proactive steps to prevent intruders coming into your property. Smart home security is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Today's home security goes beyond traditional locks, with smart devices like doorbell cameras, wireless security cameras, and integrated alarm systems providing comprehensive safety.

The Ajax alarm system, for example, offers wireless sensors that can instantly alert you to potential intrusions, while video doorbell cameras let you see and speak to visitors remotely.

Outdoor cameras with night vision can monitor your property 24/7, capturing clear footage of any suspicious activity.

Indoor cameras can track movement inside your home, and many modern systems connect directly to your smartphone, allowing you to check on your property from anywhere.

These technologies not only deter potential criminals but also provide crucial evidence if a break-in occurs, giving homeowners peace of mind and an extra layer of protection against the rising tide of household crimes.

Quick prevention tips

  • Secure your home: Invest in quality locks and security systems
  • Vehicle protection: Always park in well-lit areas
  • Stay vigilant: Report suspicious activities to local authorities
  • Community awareness: Stay connected with your neighbourhood watch

About us

At Secure On Australia, we're more than just a security company. We're your partners in safety, dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions and practical advice to keep you protected.

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