Break-Ins in Victoria: What the Latest Statistics Reveal and How Locksmiths Can Help
Break-ins remain one of the most common property crimes in Victoria, and while rates have declined over the past decade, recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show they are far from gone. For homeowners and businesses, the numbers highlight the importance of taking security seriously — and locksmiths are central to that protection.
This article looks at the latest break-in statistics, what they mean for Victorians, and how locksmith services reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
National Break-In Statistics
The ABS Crime Victimisation Survey (2023–24) found that 2.1% of Australian households — around 218,000 homes — were broken into during the year.
Key insights:
- Break-in rates rose slightly from 1.8% in 2022–23.
- 21% of victims experienced multiple break-ins in the same year.
- 75% of break-ins were reported to police.
- Attempted break-ins were also common, affecting another 2.1% of households.
While these numbers are lower than a decade ago, they confirm that thousands of Australians still face break-ins each year.
Victoria and Break-In Risks
Although the ABS releases national data, older surveys and state-level insights show that Victorian households follow the same pattern. In areas with higher socio-economic disadvantage, break-ins are more frequent — up to 3% of households annually compared with 2% in more affluent suburbs.
Lower reporting rates for attempted break-ins also mean the true level of risk may be higher than the official figures suggest.
Who Is Most Affected?
The statistics reveal clear patterns:
- Lower-income households are more likely to experience both break-ins and attempted break-ins.
- Repeat incidents are a risk, with one in five break-in victims targeted more than once.
- Attempted intrusions often go unreported, leaving families unaware of their exposure.
For Victorians, this underlines the importance of responding quickly after an incident, whether successful or not.
The Role of Locksmiths in Crime Prevention
Locksmiths are a vital line of defence against burglary. Unlike alarm systems, which alert you after a crime has started, locks act as the first barrier. A poor-quality or damaged lock makes that barrier weak.
Professional locksmiths provide:
- Lock upgrades: Installing high-security locks, deadbolts, and restricted key systems.
- Rekeying: Changing internal lock pins so lost or stolen keys no longer work.
- Emergency repairs: Fixing or replacing locks after damage from a break-in.
- Security audits: Assessing homes or businesses and advising on weak points.
These measures significantly lower the risk of forced entry.
Locksmithing as a Trade
According to ABS occupational data, Australia employs around 2,700 locksmiths, with the majority working full-time. It is a highly skilled and regulated trade, meaning homeowners and businesses benefit from expertise that goes beyond simply cutting keys.
For Victorians, having access to a local locksmith ensures fast response in emergencies and tailored security solutions for individual properties.
What This Means for Victoria
The statistics are clear:
- Break-ins remain common, affecting over 200,000 households a year.
- Attempted intrusions are a warning sign that should never be ignored.
- Prevention through professional locksmith services is one of the most effective strategies.
Investing in stronger locks, rekeying when needed, and having damaged locks repaired immediately can stop a repeat incident and provide lasting peace of mind.
Locksman: Local Locksmith Services in Eastern Melbourne
At Locksman, we specialise in securing homes and businesses across Victoria, with a focus on Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Malvern, Malvern East, Armadale, Glen Iris, Toorak, Hawthorn, Caulfield, Kooyong, and South Yarra.
Our services include:
- Emergency lockouts
- Lock installation and repair
- Rekeying and key duplication
- Broken key extraction
- Mailbox and window locks
- Security assessments and upgrades
Every service is designed to give you confidence that your property is protected.
Final Thoughts
Break-in rates in Victoria show that property crime is still a risk for every household. With 2.1% of homes nationwide experiencing a break-in in 2023–24, and thousands more facing attempted intrusions, relying on outdated locks is no longer an option.
Locksmiths remain the first line of defence, ensuring your property is secured before trouble strikes.
For professional, reliable, and local locksmith services, contact Locksman today.
Call 0439 891 174 or 1300 569 626 to book your locksmith service, or visit locksman.com.au