Australia Residential Burglaries Rise 20.2% Over Three-Year Period

Official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms a sustained, three-year surge in residential burglaries across Australia. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of recorded residential burglary cases rose from 267,742 to 321,958. This represents a cumulative increase of 20.2% over the three-year period, marking a significant upward trajectory in property crime volume.

3 straight years of increase

The data indicates a consistent year-on-year climb in recorded residential burglary offences. In 2020, the baseline figure was 267,742 cases. By 2021, the number of recorded incidents rose to 278,176. This momentum continued into 2022, with the total reaching 302,472 cases. The most recent figures for 2023 show the total count reaching 321,958, representing the highest volume of recorded residential burglaries within this three-year period.

Where it hits hardest

Regional data for 2023 highlights the distribution of these offences across the country. Queensland recorded the highest number of residential burglaries with 49,490 cases. Victoria followed with 36,652 cases, while New South Wales recorded 33,974 cases. Western Australia reported 18,835 incidents, South Australia recorded 10,284, the Northern Territory recorded 6,640, and Tasmania recorded 3,276 cases.

About these figures

These figures are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data represents officially recorded cases of residential burglary. These statistics reflect the volume of incidents reported to and recorded by authorities, providing a factual account of the rise in residential property crime across the nation over the specified three-year timeframe.