NZ Burglary Statistics 2024 & 2025 | 120,503 Victimisations (Burglaries) Analysed
This guide analyses two years of official burglary data from New Zealand Police and breaks down where burglaries happen, which areas face the highest risk, and what it means for your house and contents insurance.
Updated 11 April 2026
Summary and Key Findings•
Know This First: Why This Guide Focuses on Burglary, Not Theft
Our guide covers:
- 120,503 burglary victimisations over two years - an average of 165 per day, or roughly one every nine minutes
- The trend is positive: Burglaries fell 5.8% from 62,043 in 2024 to 58,460 in 2025, but the instances are still very high overall
- Hamilton City has New Zealand’s highest burglary rate - 212.7 per 10,000 people annually, nearly 8 times higher than Queenstown-Lakes (27.4)
- Rotorua District is a close second at 211.1 per 10,000, followed by Thames-Coromandel at 197.0
- Auckland accounts for 31.2% of all burglaries but sits mid-table per capita (111.0 per 10,000) - ranked 32nd out of 61 districts
- Rural and holiday-home districts (Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Kaipara) have disproportionately high burglary rates driven by seasonal vacancy and isolation
- Auckland Central West is New Zealand’s number one burglary hotspot area with 734 victimisations over two years
- January is the worst month for burglaries - January 2025 recorded 5,746, the highest of any month in the dataset
- Palmerston North saw a concerning 23.7% rise in burglaries year-on-year, while Hastings saw the biggest drop (-35.6%)
- Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago are the safest districts, both recording fewer than 28 burglaries per 10,000 people annually
Know This First: Why This Guide Focuses on Burglary, Not Theft
- The New Zealand Police Crime Snapshot dataset records both burglary and theft victimisations. Across 2024 and 2025, there were 120,503 burglary victimisations and 420,215 theft victimisations, for a combined total of 540,718. We have chosen to focus this guide exclusively on burglary for several reasons.
- “Theft” is an extremely broad category. It includes shoplifting, theft from vehicles, theft of vehicles, bag snatching, workplace theft, bicycle theft, and any other dishonest taking of property. Many of these categories - particularly shoplifting - inflate city centre statistics without being relevant to household insurance decisions. Manukau Central, for example, records 7,848 combined victimisations, but the vast majority are retail theft, not residential crime.
- Burglary is specific - it means someone has unlawfully entered a building - your home, your garage, your shed, your business - with the intent to commit an offence. This is the crime that directly triggers house insurance claims (for break-in damage to doors, windows, and locks) and contents insurance claims (for stolen belongings). It is the crime most New Zealanders think of when considering whether their home is safe.
- Our View: By focusing on burglary, every number in this guide corresponds to a real event in which someone’s home or property was broken into. If you’re reading this guide to assess your risk and decide whether your insurance cover is adequate, our burglary data gives you the clearest, most relevant picture.
Our guide covers:
- The Bigger Picture - What the Police Data Tells Us
- The Big Numbers
- Every District Ranked - Burglary Rate Per 10,000 People
- The 10 Highest-Risk and Safest Districts
- Major Cities Compared
- Year-Over-Year Change: Where Burglary Is Improving and Worsening
- What Burglary Data Means for Your Insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Definitions
Our report uses three key terms and data metrics that are best understood upfront:
Our report uses three key terms and data metrics that are best understood upfront:
- Burglary (ANZSOC Division 06): Unlawful entry into a building or dwelling with intent to commit an offence. This includes break-ins to homes, garages, sheds, businesses, and any other enclosed structure. It does not require anything to actually be stolen - the unlawful entry itself is the offence. A break-in where nothing is taken still counts as a burglary victimisation.
- Victimisation: A single recorded instance of a person or entity being the victim of a crime. One burglary event at one address equals one victimisation. If two neighbouring properties are burgled on the same night, that is two victimisations.
- Per 10,000 rate: The annualised number of burglary victimisations per 10,000 people in a territorial authority. This adjusts for population size, allowing fair comparison between large cities and small districts. A rate of 200 per 10,000 means approximately 1 in 50 people is a victim of a recorded burglary each year.
Where We Sourced Our Data
Burglary Data Source
Population Data
Data Limitations
This analysis is based on official New Zealand Police Crime Snapshot data for calendar years 2024 and 2025. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, readers should be aware of the following:
Know This: These figures represent the best available official data for comparing burglary risk across New Zealand. They are a reliable snapshot, not an exact count of every incident.
Burglary Data Source
- New Zealand Police Crime Snapshot dataset, released 31 March 2026, which includes all burglary victimisations (ANZSOC Division 06) recorded by New Zealand Police
- Reporting Period: Two calendar years - 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025
- Total Records: 120,503 burglary victimisations across 67 territorial authorities
Population Data
- Stats NZ 2023 estimates used for per-capita calculations
- Important: Not all burglaries are reported to police, so we believe actual numbers will be higher than recorded here (as we explain further below). These figures represent police-recorded victimisations, which is the most reliable and consistent dataset available. Per-capita rates use 2023 population estimates, which will have changed slightly since then.
Data Limitations
This analysis is based on official New Zealand Police Crime Snapshot data for calendar years 2024 and 2025. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, readers should be aware of the following:
- Under-reporting: Not all burglaries are reported to police. Some victims report only to their insurer; others do not report at all, particularly if nothing of significant value was taken. The true number of burglaries is likely higher than the 120,503 recorded here.
- Population data: Per-capita rates use Stats NZ 2023 estimates. Actual populations for 2024 and 2025 will have changed slightly due to growth and migration, which could marginally affect calculated rates.
- Building types: The dataset includes burglaries of all buildings - homes, garages, sheds, and commercial premises. It does not distinguish between residential and commercial break-ins.
- No causation: This guide shows where and when burglaries occur. It does not analyse underlying causes such as socioeconomic factors, policing levels, or security measures.
- Recent months: Late 2025 data may be subject to minor revisions as police finalise records.
Know This: These figures represent the best available official data for comparing burglary risk across New Zealand. They are a reliable snapshot, not an exact count of every incident.
The Bigger Picture - What the Police Data Tells Us
Our top must-knows include:
1. Where you live determines your burglary risk more than almost anything else
2. Holiday-home districts face a unique burglary threat
3. The national trend is positive, but not everywhere
4. City centres and suburban retail areas are hotspots
5. January and the winter months are peak burglary periods
6. Auckland is large but not the worst per capita
1. Where you live determines your burglary risk more than almost anything else
- A resident of Hamilton City faces a burglary rate of 212.7 per 10,000 people - nearly 8 times higher than Queenstown-Lakes (27.4 per 10,000). This is not a minor variation or a rounding difference. It is a fundamental gap in lived experience.
- Hamilton, Rotorua, and Thames-Coromandel form the highest-risk tier, while Central Otago, Queenstown-Lakes, and Mackenzie are the safest.
- Our View: If you live in Hamilton, Rotorua, or any of the top-10 highest-risk districts, contents insurance and house insurance are not optional - they are essential. The data shows your risk of being burgled is genuinely and measurably higher. Your annual chance of experiencing a burglary in Hamilton is roughly 1 in 47. In Queenstown-Lakes, it is roughly 1 in 365.
2. Holiday-home districts face a unique burglary threat
- Thames-Coromandel (197.0 per 10,000), Hauraki (179.1), and Kaipara (133.5) all have burglary rates well above the national average. These districts share common characteristics: high proportions of holiday homes, seasonal vacancy, rural isolation, and distance from police stations. An empty property is an inviting target.
- Our View: If you own a holiday home in one of these districts, check your house and contents insurance carefully. Some policies exclude properties left unoccupied beyond a set number of days (often 30 or 60). If your property sits empty for months at a time, you may not be covered unless you have specifically arranged for unoccupied property cover. The burglary data shows this is not a theoretical risk - these areas have some of the highest rates in the country.
3. The national trend is positive, but not everywhere
- Nationally, burglaries fell 5.8% from 2024 to 2025. Hastings District saw a remarkable 35.6% decline, Napier dropped 34.1%, and Auckland fell 9.9%. But in Palmerston North, burglaries jumped 23.7%; in Opotiki, 43.8%; in Kawerau, 52.9%; and in Ruapehu, 55.2%.
- Our View: Declining national numbers are encouraging, but they should not lead to complacency. 58,460 burglaries in 2025 is still 160 per day. And if you live in an area where burglaries are rising, the national trend is irrelevant to your personal risk. Review your cover annually, especially if your area is trending upward.
4. City centres and suburban retail areas are hotspots
- Auckland Central West (734 burglaries), Hamilton Central (597), and Auckland Central East (523) are the top three hotspot areas over the two years measured. However, burglary affects suburbs and small towns as well as city centres.
5. January and the winter months are peak burglary periods
- January 2025 recorded 5,746 burglaries - the highest of any month in the dataset. During the summer holiday period, homes are left empty while families travel.
- Our View: Before you go on holiday - whether summer or winter - take basic security steps: lock everything, use timers on lights, ask neighbours to collect mail, and check that your contents insurance is up to date and covers your actual replacement costs. The data shows that seasonal patterns are real.
6. Auckland is large but not the worst per capita
- Auckland dominates in raw volume with 37,645 burglaries (31.2% of the national total). But with 1.7 million people, its per-capita rate of 111.0 per 10,000 places it 32nd out of 61 districts - below the national average of 115.9.
- Hamilton (212.7), Rotorua (211.1), and Christchurch (157.8) all have significantly higher per-capita rates - Auckland’s size creates burglary volume, but its per-capita risk is moderate.
The Big Numbers
Over two calendar years, New Zealand Police recorded 120,503 burglary victimisations across 67 territorial authorities.
| Measure | 2024 | 2025 | 2-Year Total | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Burglary Victimisations | 62,043 | 58,460 | 120,503 | -5.8% |
| Daily Average | 170 | 160 | 165 | - |
| Weekly Average | 1,193 | 1,124 | 1,159 | - |
| Annual Rate Per 10,000 People | 119.3 | 112.4 | 115.9 | - |
Know This: 165 burglaries per day means someone’s home or business is broken into every nine minutes on average.
Every District Ranked - Burglary Rate Per 10,000 People
This is the ranking of 60+ areas and regions with available population data, ordered from highest to lowest burglary rate per 10,000 people. The national average is 115.9 burglaries per 10,000 people per year.
| Rank | Territorial Authority | Population | Burglaries (2 Years) | 2024 | 2025 | YoY Change | Annual Per 10,000 | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton City | 178,500 | 7,595 | 3,810 | 3,785 | -0.7% | 212.7 | EXTREME |
| 2 | Rotorua District | 79,000 | 3,335 | 1,717 | 1,618 | -5.8% | 211.1 | EXTREME |
| 3 | Thames-Coromandel District | 33,100 | 1,304 | 662 | 642 | -3.0% | 197.0 | EXTREME |
| 4 | South Waikato District | 26,200 | 953 | 538 | 415 | -22.9% | 181.9 | EXTREME |
| 5 | Hauraki District | 22,200 | 795 | 411 | 384 | -6.6% | 179.1 | EXTREME |
| 6 | Gisborne District | 52,100 | 1,847 | 913 | 934 | +2.3% | 177.3 | EXTREME |
| 7 | Horowhenua District | 36,900 | 1,283 | 644 | 639 | -0.8% | 173.8 | VERY HIGH |
| 8 | Otorohanga District | 10,700 | 368 | 165 | 203 | +23.0% | 172.0 | VERY HIGH |
| 9 | Waitomo District | 10,100 | 341 | 152 | 189 | +24.3% | 168.8 | VERY HIGH |
| 10 | Napier City | 67,500 | 2,261 | 1,363 | 898 | -34.1% | 167.5 | VERY HIGH |
| 11 | Far North District | 74,200 | 2,442 | 1,120 | 1,322 | +18.0% | 164.6 | VERY HIGH |
| 12 | Matamata-Piako District | 37,400 | 1,230 | 603 | 627 | +4.0% | 164.4 | VERY HIGH |
| 13 | Opotiki District | 10,400 | 334 | 137 | 197 | +43.8% | 160.6 | VERY HIGH |
| 14 | Christchurch City | 394,000 | 12,432 | 6,298 | 6,134 | -2.6% | 157.8 | VERY HIGH |
| 15 | Wanganui District | 48,500 | 1,461 | 822 | 639 | -22.3% | 150.6 | VERY HIGH |
| 16 | Palmerston North City | 91,400 | 2,727 | 1,219 | 1,508 | +23.7% | 149.2 | VERY HIGH |
| 17 | Whakatane District | 38,300 | 1,124 | 523 | 601 | +14.9% | 146.7 | VERY HIGH |
| 18 | Taupo District | 42,600 | 1,225 | 675 | 550 | -18.5% | 143.8 | VERY HIGH |
| 19 | Lower Hutt City | 112,700 | 3,190 | 1,697 | 1,493 | -12.0% | 141.5 | VERY HIGH |
| 20 | South Wairarapa District | 12,200 | 337 | 185 | 152 | -17.8% | 138.1 | HIGH |
| 21 | Kawerau District | 7,800 | 215 | 85 | 130 | +52.9% | 137.8 | HIGH |
| 22 | Kaipara District | 26,600 | 710 | 345 | 365 | +5.8% | 133.5 | HIGH |
| 23 | Waipa District | 58,600 | 1,514 | 750 | 764 | +1.9% | 129.2 | HIGH |
| 24 | Hastings District | 92,100 | 2,344 | 1,426 | 918 | -35.6% | 127.3 | HIGH |
| 25 | Gore District | 13,400 | 341 | 168 | 173 | +3.0% | 127.2 | HIGH |
| 26 | Western Bay of Plenty District | 56,400 | 1,381 | 727 | 654 | -10.0% | 122.4 | HIGH |
| 27 | Whangarei District | 100,600 | 2,416 | 1,209 | 1,207 | -0.2% | 120.1 | HIGH |
| 28 | Porirua City | 61,800 | 1,473 | 685 | 788 | +15.0% | 119.2 | HIGH |
| 29 | Manawatu District | 32,700 | 773 | 379 | 394 | +4.0% | 118.2 | HIGH |
| 30 | Waikato District | 91,500 | 2,077 | 1,042 | 1,035 | -0.7% | 113.5 | HIGH |
| 31 | Ruapehu District | 13,200 | 296 | 116 | 180 | +55.2% | 112.1 | HIGH |
| 32 | Auckland | 1,695,200 | 37,645 | 19,800 | 17,845 | -9.9% | 111.0 | HIGH |
| 33 | South Taranaki District | 29,500 | 612 | 333 | 279 | -16.2% | 103.7 | MODERATE |
| 34 | Masterton District | 28,800 | 586 | 279 | 307 | +10.0% | 101.7 | MODERATE |
| 35 | Kapiti Coast District | 57,800 | 1,173 | 651 | 522 | -19.8% | 101.5 | MODERATE |
| 36 | Invercargill City | 57,000 | 1,154 | 593 | 561 | -5.4% | 101.2 | MODERATE |
| 37 | Stratford District | 10,300 | 192 | 111 | 81 | -27.0% | 93.2 | MODERATE |
| 38 | Buller District | 10,300 | 192 | 97 | 95 | -2.1% | 93.2 | MODERATE |
| 39 | Upper Hutt City | 46,200 | 841 | 461 | 380 | -17.6% | 91.0 | MODERATE |
| 40 | Tauranga City | 158,200 | 2,827 | 1,522 | 1,305 | -14.3% | 89.3 | MODERATE |
| 41 | Rangitikei District | 16,600 | 294 | 155 | 139 | -10.3% | 88.6 | MODERATE |
| 42 | Wellington City | 215,300 | 3,592 | 1,803 | 1,789 | -0.8% | 83.4 | MODERATE |
| 43 | Waimakariri District | 66,200 | 1,042 | 542 | 500 | -7.7% | 78.7 | MODERATE |
| 44 | New Plymouth District | 87,900 | 1,302 | 661 | 641 | -3.0% | 74.1 | LOW |
| 45 | Nelson City | 54,600 | 791 | 387 | 404 | +4.4% | 72.4 | LOW |
| 46 | Grey District | 14,500 | 204 | 91 | 113 | +24.2% | 70.3 | LOW |
| 47 | Carterton District | 10,200 | 141 | 50 | 91 | +82.0% | 69.1 | LOW |
| 48 | Marlborough District | 52,300 | 714 | 311 | 403 | +29.6% | 68.3 | LOW |
| 49 | Kaikoura District | 4,300 | 52 | 34 | 18 | -47.1% | 60.5 | LOW |
| 50 | Tasman District | 58,200 | 691 | 331 | 360 | +8.8% | 59.4 | LOW |
| 51 | Ashburton District | 36,500 | 421 | 210 | 211 | +0.5% | 57.7 | LOW |
| 52 | Waitaki District | 23,700 | 273 | 144 | 129 | -10.4% | 57.6 | LOW |
| 53 | Selwyn District | 74,500 | 842 | 435 | 407 | -6.4% | 56.5 | LOW |
| 54 | Dunedin City | 137,000 | 1,528 | 763 | 765 | +0.3% | 55.8 | LOW |
| 55 | Southland District | 33,200 | 370 | 187 | 183 | -2.1% | 55.7 | LOW |
| 56 | Westland District | 9,300 | 102 | 44 | 58 | +31.8% | 54.8 | LOW |
| 57 | Timaru District | 49,400 | 534 | 277 | 257 | -7.2% | 54.0 | LOW |
| 58 | Clutha District | 18,600 | 196 | 108 | 88 | -18.5% | 52.7 | LOW |
| 59 | Mackenzie District | 5,300 | 55 | 35 | 20 | -42.9% | 51.9 | LOW |
| 60 | Central Otago District | 24,900 | 137 | 76 | 61 | -19.7% | 27.5 | VERY LOW |
| 61 | Queenstown-Lakes District | 47,500 | 260 | 121 | 139 | +14.9% | 27.4 | VERY LOW |
| NEW ZEALAND | 5,200,000 | 120,503 | 62,043 | 58,460 | -5.8% | 115.9 | Baseline |
The Disproportion Problem
Know This:
- Hamilton City leads at 212.7 burglaries per 10,000 people annually - roughly 1 in 47 residents being a victim of a recorded burglary every year.
- Queenstown-Lakes, at the bottom, records just 27.4 - a rate 7.8 times lower.
The 10 Highest-Risk and Safest Districts
These ten territorial authorities have the highest burglary rates in New Zealand, adjusted for population:
| Rank | Territorial Authority | Population | Annual Per 10,000 | vs NZ Average | vs Lowest (Queenstown) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton City | 178,500 | 212.7 | 1.8x higher | 7.8x higher | EXTREME |
| 2 | Rotorua District | 79,000 | 211.1 | 1.8x higher | 7.7x higher | EXTREME |
| 3 | Thames-Coromandel District | 33,100 | 197.0 | 1.7x higher | 7.2x higher | EXTREME |
| 4 | South Waikato District | 26,200 | 181.9 | 1.6x higher | 6.6x higher | EXTREME |
| 5 | Hauraki District | 22,200 | 179.1 | 1.5x higher | 6.5x higher | EXTREME |
| 6 | Gisborne District | 52,100 | 177.3 | 1.5x higher | 6.5x higher | EXTREME |
| 7 | Horowhenua District | 36,900 | 173.8 | 1.5x higher | 6.3x higher | VERY HIGH |
| 8 | Otorohanga District | 10,700 | 172.0 | 1.5x higher | 6.3x higher | VERY HIGH |
| 9 | Waitomo District | 10,100 | 168.8 | 1.5x higher | 6.2x higher | VERY HIGH |
| 10 | Napier City | 67,500 | 167.5 | 1.4x higher | 6.1x higher | VERY HIGH |
Our View: If you live in any of these districts, the data makes the case for adequate insurance cover. Contents insurance should cover the full replacement value of your belongings, and house insurance should cover break-in damage.
These districts have the lowest burglary rates in New Zealand, adjusted for population:
| Rank | Territorial Authority | Population | Burglaries (2 Years) | Annual Per 10,000 | vs NZ Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queenstown-Lakes District | 47,500 | 260 | 27.4 | 4.2x below average |
| 2 | Central Otago District | 24,900 | 137 | 27.5 | 4.2x below average |
| 3 | Mackenzie District | 5,300 | 55 | 51.9 | 2.2x below average |
| 4 | Clutha District | 18,600 | 196 | 52.7 | 2.2x below average |
| 5 | Timaru District | 49,400 | 534 | 54.0 | 2.1x below average |
| 6 | Westland District | 9,300 | 102 | 54.8 | 2.1x below average |
| 7 | Dunedin City | 137,000 | 1,528 | 55.8 | 2.1x below average |
| 8 | Southland District | 33,200 | 370 | 55.7 | 2.1x below average |
| 9 | Selwyn District | 74,500 | 842 | 56.5 | 2.1x below average |
| 10 | Ashburton District | 36,500 | 421 | 57.7 | 2.0x below average |
Major Cities Compared
For readers in New Zealand’s main urban centres, this table isolates the major cities for easy comparison.
Our View: Hamilton stands alone at the top. Its burglary rate is 35% higher than Christchurch's, the second-highest city, and nearly four times Dunedin’s. Palmerston North’s 23.7% year-on-year increase is particularly concerning - it suggests a worsening trend that residents should monitor. Wellington’s rate of 83.4 places it well below the national average despite being the capital.
Our View: Hamilton stands alone at the top. Its burglary rate is 35% higher than Christchurch's, the second-highest city, and nearly four times Dunedin’s. Palmerston North’s 23.7% year-on-year increase is particularly concerning - it suggests a worsening trend that residents should monitor. Wellington’s rate of 83.4 places it well below the national average despite being the capital.
| Rank | City | Population | Burglaries (2 Years) | Annual Per 10,000 | 2024 | 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton City | 178,500 | 7,595 | 212.7 | 3,810 | 3,785 | -0.7% |
| 2 | Christchurch City | 394,000 | 12,432 | 157.8 | 6,298 | 6,134 | -2.6% |
| 3 | Palmerston North City | 91,400 | 2,727 | 149.2 | 1,219 | 1,508 | +23.7% |
| 4 | Napier City | 67,500 | 2,261 | 167.5 | 1,363 | 898 | -34.1% |
| 5 | Lower Hutt City | 112,700 | 3,190 | 141.5 | 1,697 | 1,493 | -12.0% |
| 6 | Auckland | 1,695,200 | 37,645 | 111.0 | 19,800 | 17,845 | -9.9% |
| 7 | Invercargill City | 57,000 | 1,154 | 101.2 | 593 | 561 | -5.4% |
| 8 | Upper Hutt City | 46,200 | 841 | 91.0 | 461 | 380 | -17.6% |
| 9 | Tauranga City | 158,200 | 2,827 | 89.3 | 1,522 | 1,305 | -14.3% |
| 10 | Wellington City | 215,300 | 3,592 | 83.4 | 1,803 | 1,789 | -0.8% |
| 11 | New Plymouth District | 87,900 | 1,302 | 74.1 | 661 | 641 | -3.0% |
| 12 | Nelson City | 54,600 | 791 | 72.4 | 387 | 404 | +4.4% |
| 13 | Dunedin City | 137,000 | 1,528 | 55.8 | 763 | 765 | +0.3% |
Year-Over-Year Change: Where Burglary Is Improving and Worsening
While the national trend is a 5.8% decline, the picture varies enormously by district.
Know This: Hastings District’s 35.6% decline (1,426 to 918 burglaries) is the most significant improvement among large districts. Napier dropped 34.1%. But Palmerston North’s 23.7% increase (1,219 to 1,508) in a city of 91,400 people is a genuine cause for concern and is worth monitoring. Several smaller districts saw even larger percentage increases, though from smaller bases.
Our View: If you live in an area where burglaries are rising, this is the time to review your insurance. Do not assume last year’s level of risk applies this year. Check your contents sum insured, review your excess, and ensure your policy covers what you actually own.
Know This: Hastings District’s 35.6% decline (1,426 to 918 burglaries) is the most significant improvement among large districts. Napier dropped 34.1%. But Palmerston North’s 23.7% increase (1,219 to 1,508) in a city of 91,400 people is a genuine cause for concern and is worth monitoring. Several smaller districts saw even larger percentage increases, though from smaller bases.
Our View: If you live in an area where burglaries are rising, this is the time to review your insurance. Do not assume last year’s level of risk applies this year. Check your contents sum insured, review your excess, and ensure your policy covers what you actually own.
| Territorial Authority | Burglaries 2024 | Burglaries 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biggest Decreases | |||
| Kaikoura District | 34 | 18 | -47.1% |
| Mackenzie District | 35 | 20 | -42.9% |
| Hastings District | 1,426 | 918 | -35.6% |
| Napier City | 1,363 | 898 | -34.1% |
| Stratford District | 111 | 81 | -27.0% |
| South Waikato District | 538 | 415 | -22.9% |
| Wanganui District | 822 | 639 | -22.3% |
| Kapiti Coast District | 651 | 522 | -19.8% |
| Central Otago District | 76 | 61 | -19.7% |
| Taupo District | 675 | 550 | -18.5% |
| Biggest Increases | |||
| Carterton District | 50 | 91 | +82.0% |
| Ruapehu District | 116 | 180 | +55.2% |
| Kawerau District | 85 | 130 | +52.9% |
| Opotiki District | 137 | 197 | +43.8% |
| Westland District | 44 | 58 | +31.8% |
| Marlborough District | 311 | 403 | +29.6% |
| Waitomo District | 152 | 189 | +24.3% |
| Grey District | 91 | 113 | +24.2% |
| Palmerston North City | 1,219 | 1,508 | +23.7% |
| Otorohanga District | 165 | 203 | +23.0% |
| NEW ZEALAND | 62,043 | 58,460 | -5.8% |
​
Monthly Burglary Trends
Burglary follows recognisable seasonal patterns, though we take the view it’s less dramatic than you might expect.
Our View: The January peak is a reminder to secure your home before holiday travel. The winter elevation is a reminder that short days and long dark evenings also create opportunity. Year-round vigilance matters more than seasonal panic.
Our View: The January peak is a reminder to secure your home before holiday travel. The winter elevation is a reminder that short days and long dark evenings also create opportunity. Year-round vigilance matters more than seasonal panic.
| Month | Burglaries | Daily Average | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | 5,414 | 175 | |
| Feb 2024 | 4,955 | 171 | |
| Mar 2024 | 5,034 | 162 | |
| Apr 2024 | 4,894 | 163 | |
| May 2024 | 5,119 | 165 | |
| Jun 2024 | 4,900 | 163 | |
| Jul 2024 | 5,411 | 175 | Winter peak |
| Aug 2024 | 5,283 | 170 | |
| Sep 2024 | 4,999 | 167 | |
| Oct 2024 | 5,254 | 169 | |
| Nov 2024 | 5,359 | 179 | |
| Dec 2024 | 5,421 | 175 | |
| Jan 2025 | 5,746 | 185 | Highest month |
| Feb 2025 | 5,010 | 179 | |
| Mar 2025 | 5,632 | 182 | |
| Apr 2025 | 5,232 | 174 | |
| May 2025 | 4,664 | 150 | |
| Jun 2025 | 4,024 | 134 | Lowest month |
| Jul 2025 | 4,408 | 142 | |
| Aug 2025 | 4,250 | 137 | |
| Sep 2025 | 4,623 | 154 | |
| Oct 2025 | 5,014 | 162 | |
| Nov 2025 | 4,946 | 165 | |
| Dec 2025 | 4,911 | 158 |
The Disproportion Problem: Hamilton vs Queenstown-Lakes
To illustrate just how stark the regional differences are, here is a side-by-side comparison of New Zealand’s highest and lowest burglary-risk districts.
Hamilton has 3.8 times the population of Queenstown-Lakes but 29 times the burglaries. Per capita, Hamilton residents face a burglary risk 7.8 times higher. A Hamilton resident has roughly a 1 in 47 annual chance of being burgled; a Queenstown-Lakes resident has roughly a 1 in 365 chance.
Our View: This is exactly why insurance pricing varies by location. A contents insurer covering Hamilton properties faces a measurably, dramatically higher claims rate than one covering Queenstown. The pricing reflects real, quantifiable risk - not arbitrary postcode-based charges.
Hamilton has 3.8 times the population of Queenstown-Lakes but 29 times the burglaries. Per capita, Hamilton residents face a burglary risk 7.8 times higher. A Hamilton resident has roughly a 1 in 47 annual chance of being burgled; a Queenstown-Lakes resident has roughly a 1 in 365 chance.
Our View: This is exactly why insurance pricing varies by location. A contents insurer covering Hamilton properties faces a measurably, dramatically higher claims rate than one covering Queenstown. The pricing reflects real, quantifiable risk - not arbitrary postcode-based charges.
| Measure | Hamilton City (Highest) | Queenstown-Lakes (Lowest) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,500 | 47,500 | 3.8x |
| Total Burglaries (2 Years) | 7,595 | 260 | 29x |
| Annual Rate Per 10,000 | 212.7 | 27.4 | 7.8x |
| Daily Average | 10.4 | 0.4 | 26x |
| Annual Chance (Per Household) | ~1 in 47 | ~1 in 365 | 7.8x |
What Burglary Data Means for Your Insurance
We outline what’s important based on each risk type:
Contents Insurance
House Insurance
Holiday Homes
Know This: Security Upgrades
Some insurers offer premium discounts for homes with approved security features, such as deadbolts, window locks, alarm systems, security cameras, and sensor lighting. Given the burglary rates in high-risk districts, the cost of security upgrades may be offset by lower premiums over time, and they reduce your actual risk of being targeted.
Contents Insurance
- Contents insurance covers the replacement cost of your belongings if they are stolen in a burglary.
- We estimate that the average New Zealand household has between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of contents - furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, kitchenware, bedding, and personal items.
- Being uninsured exposes you to a significant financial loss if you are burgled.
- When comparing Contents insurance, check the policy covers - replacement value (not indemnity/depreciated value); specified high-value items such as jewellery, art, and electronics over the per-item limit; tools and equipment stored in garages or sheds; and any exclusions around unoccupied properties if you travel frequently or own a holiday home.
- Our View: If you live in a high-burglary district, contents insurance is not a luxury. With 120,503 burglaries recorded over two years, this is not a theoretical risk. Compare contents insurance policies to find one that matches your actual needs and sum insured.
House Insurance
- Burglary does not just mean stolen items – it means broken windows, forced doors, damaged locks, smashed frames, and sometimes significant structural damage.
- House insurance covers the cost of repairing break-in damage to your home. In high-burglary districts, this cover is particularly relevant - every one of the 120,503 victimisations in this dataset involved someone gaining unlawful entry to a building.
Holiday Homes
- Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, and Kaipara are among the top 10 highest-risk districts. If you own a holiday home in one of these areas, check your holiday home insurance policy for unoccupancy exclusions.
- Many standard policies reduce or exclude cover for properties left empty beyond 30 or 60 consecutive days. If your holiday home sits empty for months, you may need a specific unoccupied property endorsement.
Know This: Security Upgrades
Some insurers offer premium discounts for homes with approved security features, such as deadbolts, window locks, alarm systems, security cameras, and sensor lighting. Given the burglary rates in high-risk districts, the cost of security upgrades may be offset by lower premiums over time, and they reduce your actual risk of being targeted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and theft?
Burglary involves unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit an offence. Theft is the dishonest taking of property without entry into a building. A burglary always involves entry into premises such as a home, garage, business, or shed. Theft can occur anywhere, including from vehicles, workplaces, shops, or public spaces. This guide focuses exclusively on burglary because it is the crime most directly relevant to house and contents insurance.
Why is Hamilton’s burglary rate so high?
Hamilton’s rate of 212.7 per 10,000 reflects a combination of factors: socioeconomic deprivation in some suburbs, older housing stock with less modern security, the city’s role as a regional hub attracting transient populations, and specific high-burglary areas including Hamilton Central and the University area. Chedworth and Fairfield are also known as high-burglary suburbs.
Why are holiday-home areas like Thames-Coromandel so high?
Seasonal vacancy is the primary driver. The Coromandel Peninsula has a high proportion of holiday homes that sit empty for extended periods, particularly during winter. Empty properties are significantly easier to burgle, and the distance from the nearest police station extends response times. The same pattern applies in Hauraki and parts of the Far North.
How does this data relate to contents insurance premiums?
Insurers use claims data, which correlates with police burglary data, to price risk by location. If you live in Hamilton, Rotorua, or Christchurch, contents insurance premiums will generally be higher than those in Queenstown or Central Otago because the likelihood of a burglary claim is higher. This guide provides the data that underpins those pricing decisions.
Is unreported burglary a problem with this data?
Yes - not all burglaries are reported to police. Some victims report to their insurer but not to the police. Others do not report at all, particularly if nothing of value was taken or if the victim does not have insurance. The true number of burglaries is likely higher than the 120,503 recorded here.
What can I do to reduce my burglary risk?
Effective measures include:
- Installing deadlocks and window locks
- Using a monitored alarm system
- Installing sensor lighting at entry points
- Keeping valuables out of sight
- Securing garages and sheds
- Using timers on lights when away
- Asking neighbours to collect mail during the holidays
- Registering high-value items with serial numbers for recovery
- Installing security cameras, including doorbell cameras, which are increasingly effective as a deterrent
