CANBERRA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The number of theft and robbery victims recorded by police in Australia fell in 2025 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, while motor vehicle thefts rose to a 17-year high, official data showed on Thursday.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that the number of robbery victims fell by 8 percent from the previous year to 10,591 in 2025, while theft victims, excluding motor vehicle theft, dropped by 2 percent to 581,209.
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."
Robbery and theft declined in most Australian states and territories.
Queensland recorded the largest decline in robbery, down 13 percent, or 403 victims, followed by New South Wales, down 11 percent, or 255 victims.
Western Australia recorded the largest decrease in theft, down 13 percent, or 10,405 victims, followed by South Australia, where the number fell by 11 percent, or 5,301 victims.
More than two-fifths, or 43 percent, of thefts occurred at retail locations, while 30 percent of robberies occurred on streets or footpaths.
Meanwhile, motor vehicle thefts increased nationally to 66,625 in 2025, the highest level in 17 years.
The ABS said the increase was driven by an 11-percent rise in Victoria and a 3-percent increase in New South Wales, while motor vehicle theft declined in other jurisdictions. ■
