2025 Top 10 Burglary Hotspots in Waikato
Are Waikato Burglary Patterns Changing?
As we move further into 2026, we’ve reviewed the latest burglary data to see how the Waikato region has tracked over the past year and what that may mean for property security in the months ahead.
In earlier articles, we looked at national and regional crime trends across New Zealand. This time, we’re narrowing the focus to Waikato, looking at recent burglary activity, longer-term patterns, and the areas recording the highest number of incidents.
Our goal is simple: to understand whether burglary patterns are shifting, highlight areas with higher burglary activity, and help property owners think about practical ways to improve security.
Before we begin, we want to emphasise the following point.
We understand that statistics can seem distant when you’ve been directly impacted by crime. No number can truly encapsulate the fear, loss, and disruption experienced by victims. Our aim is not to diminish these experiences, but to provide a clearer picture of broader trends. Every incident matters, and improving everyday security remains important across New Zealand.
Data Sources: New Zealand Police Data Source - Victimisations (police stations) and Victimisation Time and Place.
Index
📊 Monthly Burglary Trends (2025–2026)
📉 Long-Term Waikato Burglary Trends (2015–2025)
📍 Top 10 Burglary Locations (2025–2026)
🛡️ What This Means for Property Security
🗺️ Full Canterbury Area Breakdown
1. Monthly Burglary Trends (Jan 2025 – Jan 2026)
The table below shows burglary occurrences in the Waikato region over the past 13 months.
Observations
Burglary levels across Waikato remained relatively steady throughout the year, with normal month-to-month variation rather than any extreme spikes.
There are some mild seasonal patterns, with slightly higher activity around January and November, and lower levels through mid-year months such as June and July. Overall, the trend appears stable rather than sharply increasing or decreasing.
2. Long-Term Waikato Burglary Trends (2015–2025)
Looking at a longer timeframe helps put recent activity into context.
Key takeaways
- Burglary totals peaked around 2017 and again remained elevated between 2023 and 2025
- Across the full period, burglary in Waikato has remained consistent rather than declining sharply
- Residential properties account for a large portion of incidents, averaging around 70–74%
This highlights a key point:
Most burglaries are still happening at homes.
While the overall trend is not worsening dramatically, burglary remains a persistent issue across the Waikato region.
3. Top Burglary Locations (Jan 2025 – Jan 2026)
Observations
- higher density housing
- more access points
- mixed residential + commercial activity
High Activity Beyond Hamilton:
Some non-Hamilton areas still rank highly:
- Waihi (207)
- Moanataiari (156)
- Huntly East (151)
Burglary is not limited to cities — regional towns with strong activity or access routes also see high numbers.
Clustering Effect:
Several top areas are geographically close (within Hamilton): This creates clusters of higher risk, rather than isolated hotspots.
Mixed-Use & Accessibility Matters:
Most top 10 areas share similar characteristics:
- busy zones
- transport connectivity
- mix of residential and commercial properties
Burglary tends to follow movement + opportunity + access and:
- Hamilton dominates burglary activity in Waikato
- Key regional towns also show elevated risk
- High-activity areas tend to cluster and share similar characteristics
On-Brand Insight:
Even within the top 10, burglary is driven by opportunity — making visible, practical security one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.
4. What This Means for Property Security
The latest data suggests that burglary levels in Waikato are not rapidly increasing, which is encouraging.
However, burglary remains present, consistent, and largely residential.
This means:
- There is no need for panic
- But practical prevention still matters
At DIY Xpanda, we focus on practical security, not hype.
Our products are designed to act as:
- a visible deterrent
- a first line of defence
- a way to strengthen vulnerable entry points
For homes, rentals, and small businesses, simple upgrades such as:
can help discourage opportunistic intruders and delay forced entry.
Good security is about layering:
- physical barriers
- alarms
- cameras
Each layer increases the effort required to break in.
DIY Xpanda products are:
- pre-made and ready to ship
- simple to install with basic tools
- designed for common NZ homes and properties
This allows property owners to act quickly — without the cost and delay of custom systems.
For more advanced needs, Xpanda Security can assist with custom-built solutions and professional installation.
5. Full Waikato Area Breakdown
This broader view shows that burglary is not isolated to one area.
While some districts record higher numbers, burglary activity is spread across the region — reinforcing the importance of practical, everyday security improvements.
Thank you for reading, and stay safe!
| Area | Occurrence |
| Acacia Bay | 9 |
| Allen Road | 7 |
| Amisfield | 4 |
| Aotea | 35 |
| Arahiwi | 1 |
| Arapuni | 27 |
| Bader | 97 |
| Beerescourt | 94 |
| Broadlands | 9 |
| Bryant | 107 |
| Brymer | 43 |
| Buckland South | 10 |
| Burbush | 25 |
| Cambridge Central | 32 |
| Cambridge North | 44 |
| Cambridge West | 39 |
| Chartwell | 40 |
| Chedworth | 135 |
| Clarkin | 117 |
| Claudelands | 61 |
| Coromandel | 51 |
| Crawshaw | 98 |
| Dinsdale North | 56 |
| Dinsdale South | 91 |
| Enderley | 156 |
| Eureka | 46 |
| Fairview Downs | 65 |
| Flagstaff | 48 |
| Frankton Junction | 144 |
| Glenview | 108 |
| Golden Springs | 23 |
| Gordonton | 23 |
| Grandview | 80 |
| Hamilton Central | 318 |
| Hamilton East | 135 |
| Hamilton Lake | 132 |
| Hauraki Plains | 34 |
| Hautapu | 44 |
| Hikuai | 77 |
| Hillcrest West | 66 |
| Hilltop | 45 |
| Hinuera | 17 |
| Horotiu | 21 |
| Horsham Downs | 82 |
| Huntington | 99 |
| Huntly East | 151 |
| Huntly West | 75 |
| Insoll | 98 |
| Islands-Thames-Coromandel District | 1 |
| Kaiaua | 12 |
| Kainui | 82 |
| Kaipaki | 16 |
| Karapiro | 53 |
| Kawhia Community | 14 |
| Kerepehi | 14 |
| Kihikihi Flat | 31 |
| Kihikihi | 42 |
| Kinleith | 25 |
| Kinloch | 5 |
| Kuratau | 11 |
| Lake Cameron | 26 |
| Lake Ngaroto | 29 |
| Lakewood | 13 |
| Leamington East | 36 |
| Leamington West | 44 |
| Lichfield | 29 |
| Maeroa | 87 |
| Mahoenui | 4 |
| Mangakaretu | 16 |
| Mangakino | 8 |
| Mangatawhiri | 21 |
| Maramarua | 7 |
| Marokopa | 39 |
| Marotiri | 17 |
| Matamata North | 77 |
| Matamata South | 90 |
| Matangi | 18 |
| Matarawa | 26 |
| Maunganamu | 4 |
| Melville | 102 |
| Meremere | 4 |
| Moanataiari | 156 |
| Mokauiti | 17 |
| Morrinsville East | 68 |
| Morrinsville West | 87 |
| Motuoapa | 7 |
| Nawton | 96 |
| Naylor | 115 |
| Newstead | 48 |
| Ngahinapouri | 28 |
| Ngakuru | 12 |
| Ngaruawahia | 100 |
| Ngatea | 24 |
| Nukuhau | 5 |
| Ohaupo | 6 |
| Ohinemuri | 65 |
| Okauia | 33 |
| Omori | 7 |
| Onewhero | 33 |
| Opuawhanga | 6 |
| Oruanui | 14 |
| Otaua | 18 |
| Otorohanga Rural East | 91 |
| Otorohanga Rural West | 27 |
| Otorohanga | 78 |
| Paeroa | 57 |
| Paraonui | 16 |
| Parawai | 122 |
| Parkdale | 5 |
| Pauanui Beach | 10 |
| Peachgrove | 118 |
| Peacocke | 60 |
| Piopio | 8 |
| Pirongia | 12 |
| Pokeno | 58 |
| Pokuru | 6 |
| Porritt | 70 |
| Pukeoware | 1 |
| Pukerimu | 17 |
| Pukete West | 41 |
| Pukete | 46 |
| Putaruru | 61 |
| Queenwood | 63 |
| Raglan | 51 |
| Rangatira Park | 5 |
| Rangipo | 2 |
| Redoubt | 6 |
| Reporoa | 10 |
| Richmond Heights | 25 |
| Riverlea | 58 |
| Rotokauri | 45 |
| Rotongata | 13 |
| Rotoorangi | 28 |
| Rototuna | 36 |
| Silverdale | 48 |
| Springdale | 42 |
| Stanley Park | 38 |
| Strathmore | 27 |
| Swarbrick | 139 |
| Swayne | 15 |
| Sylvester | 51 |
| Taharoa | 1 |
| Tahuroa | 60 |
| Tairua | 27 |
| Tamahere-Tauwhare | 63 |
| Tapapa | 26 |
| Tatua | 8 |
| Tauhara | 65 |
| Taupiri Community | 11 |
| Taupo Central | 115 |
| Taupo East | 9 |
| Te Akau | 14 |
| Te Aroha | 94 |
| Te Awamutu Central | 62 |
| Te Awamutu East | 79 |
| Te Awamutu South | 64 |
| Te Awamutu West | 18 |
| Te Kauwhata | 32 |
| Te Kawa | 8 |
| Te Kowhai | 20 |
| Te Kuiti | 129 |
| Te Pahu | 10 |
| Te Poi | 13 |
| Te Puru-Thornton Bay | 24 |
| Te Rahu | 14 |
| Te Rapa North | 11 |
| Te Rapa | 157 |
| Te Rerenga | 101 |
| Te Rore | 12 |
| Te Uku | 31 |
| Temple View | 18 |
| Tirau | 21 |
| Tokaanu | 14 |
| Tokanui | 9 |
| Tokoroa Central | 59 |
| Tongariro | 16 |
| Tuakau | 50 |
| Turangi | 135 |
| Turua | 18 |
| University | 156 |
| Waerenga | 54 |
| Waharoa | 13 |
| Waihi | 207 |
| Waihou-Walton | 79 |
| Waikato Western Hills | 54 |
| Waipa Valley | 11 |
| Waipahihi | 18 |
| Wairakei-Aratiatia | 14 |
| Waitahanui | 10 |
| Waitoa | 2 |
| Wawa | 33 |
| Whangamata | 35 |
| Wharewaka | 9 |
| Whatawhata | 26 |
| Whitianga | 103 |
| Whitikahu | 31 |
