Canberra Crime Rates and ACT crime trends: Canberra is a dynamic city in the ACT, each offering its own unique lifestyle and community atmosphere. Understanding crime rates across ACT and Canberra’s suburbs provides valuable insights into their safety and security.
This article examines the suburbs in Canberra and the ACT with the highest and lowest crime rates, highlighting the key factors influencing these trends.
Crime rates in Canberra and ACT
While some parts of Canberra are seeing declining crime rates, others have been hit by significant increases in property crime, particularly burglaries and vehicle thefts.
Canberra Crime Rates: Suburbs with the Highest and Lowest Crime in ACT
🔴 Inner North (Acton, Ainslie, Braddon, Dickson, and surrounding areas):
– 14% increase in domestic burglaries in Q1 2024, with 57 reported cases.
– Part of a broader trend in non-violent property crime, including motor vehicle thefts.
🔴 Molonglo Region:
– 325% rise in domestic burglaries, from 4 cases in Q4 2023 to 17 in Q1 2024.
– Experts suggest rapid population growth and urban expansion have contributed to increased crime rates.
🔴 Fyshwick:
– A known hotspot for vehicle thefts, with 56 cars stolen in 2023.
– ACT-wide, motor vehicle thefts surged by 27% in Q1 2024, indicating continued vulnerabilities in this area.
With burglary and theft on the rise in these areas, residents are urged to take extra security measures, while law enforcement has committed to boosting patrols and surveillance in high-risk suburbs.
Suburbs with Falling Crime Rates in ACT
Not all areas are struggling with crime—some Canberra suburbs have seen significant reductions, particularly in shop burglaries and violent offences.
🟢 Gungahlin Patrol Zone:
– Shop burglaries dropped 73% in Q1 2024 (from 11 cases in Q4 2023 to just 3).
– Increased police patrols and community-led safety initiatives have contributed to this success.
🟢 Woden Zone:
– 79% drop in shop burglaries, with only 3 cases reported in Q1 2024.
– No armed robberies recorded so far in 2024, marking a major improvement.
🟢 Affluent Suburbs (O’Malley, Campbell):
– Continued low crime rates, aligning with 2023 trends.
– Strong community engagement and private security measures contribute to these suburbs’ safety.
These declines indicate that targeted law enforcement strategies and community involvement are playing a key role in reducing crime in some areas.
Key Canberra Crime Rates & Trends in 2024
Beyond suburb-specific crime patterns, Canberra’s territory-wide crime data reveals key trends shaping law enforcement priorities:
📌 Motor Theft on the Rise
– 27% increase in car thefts across the ACT, making vehicle security a key concern.
📌 Domestic Violence Remains a Serious Issue
– Over 2,000 reported incidents by mid-2024.
– A new dedicated domestic violence investigation unit has been established.
📌 Organised Crime Expanding
– ACT Policing reports growing involvement of crime syndicates in drug trafficking and financial fraud.
📌 Rising Demand on Police Resources
– Between October and December 2024, police received over 25,000 non-urgent calls, highlighting pressure on law enforcement.
Read our related article ‘Suburbs in Sydney with the Highest and Lowest Crime Rates.’
Final Thoughts on Canberra Crime Rates
While some suburbs are experiencing an increase in crime, others are benefiting from successful policing strategies. Property crime and domestic violence remain top concerns, and police are rolling out new initiatives to tackle these issues.
If you’ve been affected by criminal activity or unfair policing practices, O’Brien Solicitors is here to help. Our team specialises in criminal defence and civil litigation, ensuring your rights are protected.
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