First drop in theft and robbery since COVID-19

Victims of theft (excluding motor vehicles) and robbery recorded by police in 2025 fell for the first time since declines in 2020 and 2021 respectively, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Samantha Hall, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: “Theft and robbery in 2025 dropped for the first time since the declines that coincided with COVID-19 restrictions.” 

“Nationally, in 2025 the number of robbery victims dropped by 8 per cent from the previous year to 10,591 victims, while theft victims fell by 2 per cent to 581,209 victims.”

Robbery and theft numbers declined in most states and territories. Queensland recorded the largest decrease in robbery (down 403 victims or 13 per cent), followed by New South Wales (down 255 victims or 11 per cent). 

Western Australia recorded the largest fall in theft (10,405 victims or 13 per cent), followed by South Australia (5,301 victims or 11 per cent). 

More than two-fifths of all thefts (excluding motor vehicles) occurred at a retail location (43 per cent or 247,425 victims), while almost one in three robberies occurred on the street or footpath (30 per cent or 3,128 victims). 

Meanwhile, the number of motor vehicle thefts recorded by police increased nationally, reaching a 17 year high in 2025 at 66,625 victims.

“The rise in national motor vehicle thefts was driven by an 11 per cent increase in Victoria and a 3 per cent increase in New South Wales, while other jurisdictions saw a fall in motor vehicle theft,” Ms Hall said.