Importance of Peace of Mind and Home Security - 2025 Q1 Crime Stats
Peace of Mind and Home Security: Why Physical Security Still Matters in New Zealand
Peace of mind in home security is often underestimated until it’s lost. Recently, I had a moment of clarity about what some of our customers might be going through. I found myself waking in the middle of the night, convinced I'd heard something. All of a sudden, my windows and doors felt vulnerable.
When I was younger and living alone, these thoughts rarely occurred. But now, living with a partner and having someone I feel responsible for protecting, everything has changed—even my dreams. Lack of peace of mind means poor sleep and constant low-grade anxiety about what could happen, and not a good place from a home security perspective.
When I brought up the idea of installing window bars and retractable gates, the reaction was, "I don't want to live in a prison." It made me wonder: Am I being paranoid?
...
Yes, paranoia doesn't help, but neither does ignoring concerns. Reasonable security measures are not about fear—they’re about preparedness. As the world seems to grow more unpredictable, it’s fair to ask: Are things getting worse? Is crime increasing? Will economic pressures push more people toward unlawful acts? Some thoughts at night....
<Index>
- Is Crime Actually Increasing in New Zealand?
- Regional Breakdown: Where Are Crimes Happening?
- What Kind of Protection Makes Sense?
- Closing Off: You're Not Alone
- Resources & References
1. Is Crime Actually Increasing in New Zealand?
We looked into NZ Police statistics to find out. We compared national crime data from 2015 to 2025 (April to March each year).
(The police data only showed up to March 2025 when we looked into this on June 25th)
Key Crime Categories:
| Crime Type | 2015–2016 | 2024–2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acts Intended to Cause Injury | 47,241 | 76,581 | +29,340 |
| Theft and Related Offences | 139,944 | 223,839 | +83,895 |
| Unlawful Entry With Intent / Burglary, Break and Enter | 63,457 | 62,876 | -581 |
| Robbery, Extortion and Related Offences | 3,311 | 4,864 | +1,553 |
| Abduction, Harassment and Other Related Offences Against a Person | 342 | 479 | +137 |
| Sexual Assault and Related Offences | 5,284 | 7,418 | +2,134 |
| Total | 259,579 | 376,057 | +116,478 |
While burglary has remained stable, violent crime and theft have increased significantly over the last decade.
We further compare more recent years:
Year-on-Year Comparison (April 2023 – March 2025):
| Crime Type | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| Acts Intended to Cause Injury | 77,039 | 76,581 |
| Theft and Related Offences | 225,158 | 223,839 |
| Unlawful Entry With Intent/Burglary, Break and Enter | 63,330 | 62,876 |
| Robbery, Extortion and Related Offences | 5,340 | 4,864 |
| Abduction, Harassment and Other Related Offences Against a Person | 439 | 479 |
| Sexual Assault and Related Offences | 7,287 | 7,418 |
| Total | 378,593 | 376,057 |
- 2023-2024: 378,590 total offences
-
2024-2025: 376,057 total offences
It’s not a dramatic change, but it's encouraging to see that the overall trend isn’t worsening.
2. Regional Breakdown: Where Are Crimes Happening?
In terms of geography, urban and high-population areas continue to experience more crime.
| Period | A | B | C* | |
| Police District/TA | 2023 April - 2024 March | 2024 April - 2025 March | % Variance | 2015 April - 2016 March |
| Northland | 14,004 | 14,481 | 3.40% | 11,047 |
| Waitemata*1 | 36,392 | 38,452 | 5.70% | 24,022 |
| Auckland City | 47,559 | 45,043 | -5.30% | 34,973 |
| Counties/Manukau | 53,554 | 54,807 | 2.30% | 35,690 |
| Waikato | 37,980 | 37,703 | -0.70% | 20,959 |
| Bay Of Plenty | 33,996 | 31,901 | -6.20% | 23,151 |
| Eastern*2 | 19,365 | 19,812 | 2.30% | 15,402 |
| Central*3 | 28,014 | 27,270 | -2.70% | 18,795 |
| Wellington | 36,727 | 36,631 | -0.30% | 25,622 |
| Tasman | 8,981 | 8,925 | -0.60% | 7,831 |
| Canterbury | 47,589 | 46,978 | -1.30% | 30,807 |
| Southern | 14,432 | 14,054 | -2.60% | 11,280 |
| Total | 378,593 | 376,057 | -0.70% | 259,579 |
| *1: It covers the area north of Auckland City from New Lynn, North Shore and Devonport up to Mangawhai in the north. | ||||
| *2: The Eastern Police District extends from near the tip of East Cape through to southern Hawkes Bay. | ||||
| *3: Central Police District covers an area that stretches from the North Taranaki Bight, across to Ruapehu, south to Otaki in the west, and across to the Tararua ranges in the east. The Central District encompasses a large and diverse geographical area. | ||||
Most urban regions show either a stable or rising trend. Increased population density and economic disparity may be contributing factors.
A full breakdown by region is included in the Appendix at the bottom of this post.
3. What Kind of Protection Makes Sense?
Different threats call for different solutions:
- Street Safety: Awareness and self-defence tips (Police Tips)
- Vehicle Theft: Secure your car with these guidelines (Neighbourhood Support)
- Home Security: Install physical deterrents such as CCTV, security gates, and window bars.
These measures not only protect property but also deter crime through a visible presence.
Bottom line: Awareness is key.
Recognizing potential threats and staying alert is a strong starting point for mental preparedness. Understand that you can be a target at any time. When something does happen, being mentally prepared can help you stay calm, make smart decisions, and protect yourself and those you care about.
New Zealand Police offer advice about locks and safeguarding against burglaries:NZ Police Burglary Prevention Advice
However, there's less guidance about preventative physical barriers like gates or window bars. This may be where businesses like ours can help to visually and physically deter the potential criminals.
4. Closing Off: You're Not Alone
You’re not the only one feeling anxious about home safety. Whether or not you ultimately install security products, it helps to talk.
Some key points are:
- Is Crime Actually Increasing in New Zealand?
Overall, yes, but it shows a hint of decrease in recent years. - Regional Breakdown: Where Are Crimes Happening?
Mostly in highly populated areas, especially in the Auckland region, particularly with thefts. - What Kind of Protection Makes Sense?
Physical and visual deterrence devices such as cctv, window bars, security gates etc, as well as awareness and mental preparedness.
If you're interested in chatting about how to protect your home or want some ideas—with no cost or commitment—reach out to us.
If you are looking for security products already, but cannot find the right fit, please reach out to Xpadna Security, specialists in custom-made security solutions.
Feeling safe is a vital aspect of home security. It isn’t paranoia. It’s peace of mind. And that’s something we all deserve.
5. Resources & References
- 📊 NZ Police Crime Stats:
https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/statistics-and-publications/data-and-statistics/victimisations-police-stations - 🛡️ Burglary Prevention:
https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/school-portal/resources/responsible-citizens/burglary-6 - 🚗 Car Theft Prevention:
https://www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz/keeping-your-vehicles-safe-and-secure - 🚶 Street Safety Tips:
https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/keeping-safe/out-about - Crime Stats by Regional Local Boundaries
| Period | A | B | C* | |
| Local Boundaries | 2023 April - 2024 March | 2024 April - 2025 March | % Variance | 2015 April - 2016 March |
| Area Outside Territorial Authority. | 56 | 41 | -26.8% | 76 |
| Ashburton District. | 1,146 | 996 | -13.1% | 970 |
| Auckland. | 136,407 | 137,115 | 0.5% | 93,875 |
| Buller District. | 438 | 404 | -7.8% | 402 |
| Carterton District. | 262 | 204 | -22.1% | 339 |
| Central Hawke's Bay District. | 528 | 571 | 8.1% | 450 |
| Central Otago District. | 520 | 416 | -20.0% | 445 |
| Chatham Islands Territory. | 27 | 19 | -29.6% | 3 |
| Christchurch City. | 39,503 | 38,914 | -1.5% | 24,992 |
| Clutha District. | 574 | 589 | 2.6% | 528 |
| Dunedin City. | 5,623 | 5,670 | 0.8% | 4,782 |
| Far North District. | 5,061 | 4,917 | -2.8% | 4,343 |
| Gisborne District. | 4,831 | 4,567 | -5.5% | 3,871 |
| Gore District. | 615 | 566 | -8.0% | 430 |
| Grey District. | 608 | 681 | 12.0% | 565 |
| Hamilton City. | 23,826 | 24,042 | 0.9% | 11,649 |
| Hastings District. | 7,190 | 6,934 | -3.6% | 5,666 |
| Hauraki District. | 1,381 | 1,356 | -1.8% | 886 |
| Horowhenua District. | 3,032 | 3,227 | 6.4% | 1,779 |
| Hurunui District. | 409 | 466 | 13.9% | 376 |
| Invercargill City. | 4,011 | 3,200 | -20.2% | 2,349 |
| Kaikoura District. | 206 | 197 | -4.4% | 200 |
| Kaipara District. | 1,106 | 1,404 | 26.9% | 937 |
| Kapiti Coast District. | 2,978 | 3,048 | 2.4% | 2,162 |
| Kawerau District. | 606 | 438 | -27.7% | 575 |
| Lower Hutt City. | 10,435 | 10,669 | 2.2% | 6,738 |
| Mackenzie District. | 128 | 133 | 3.9% | 122 |
| Manawatu District. | 2,056 | 1,698 | -17.4% | 1,017 |
| Marlborough District. | 2,102 | 2,410 | 14.7% | 1,766 |
| Masterton District. | 1,977 | 1,630 | -17.6% | 1,500 |
| Matamata-Piako District. | 2,404 | 2,446 | 1.7% | 1,793 |
| Napier City. | 6,123 | 6,984 | 14.1% | 4,907 |
| Nelson City. | 3,330 | 2,894 | -13.1% | 2,809 |
| New Plymouth District. | 4,259 | 4,234 | -0.6% | 2,798 |
| Opotiki District. | 726 | 674 | -7.2% | 639 |
| Otorohanga District. | 520 | 560 | 7.7% | 299 |
| Palmerston North City. | 8,847 | 8,920 | 0.8% | 6,244 |
| Porirua City. | 4,130 | 4,210 | 1.9% | 3,326 |
| Queenstown-Lakes District. | 1,738 | 2,278 | 31.1% | 1,159 |
| Rangitikei District. | 798 | 678 | -15.0% | 584 |
| Rotorua District. | 9,596 | 9,560 | -0.4% | 7,039 |
| Ruapehu District. | 846 | 765 | -9.6% | 679 |
| Selwyn District. | 2,098 | 2,032 | -3.1% | 1,125 |
| South Taranaki District. | 1,818 | 1,505 | -17.2% | 1,124 |
| South Waikato District. | 2,135 | 2,409 | 12.8% | 1,456 |
| South Wairarapa District. | 495 | 471 | -4.8% | 431 |
| Southland District. | 725 | 639 | -11.9% | 878 |
| Stratford District. | 476 | 436 | -8.4% | 329 |
| Tararua District. | 1,168 | 1,038 | -11.1% | 897 |
| Tasman District. | 2,040 | 2,010 | -1.5% | 1,792 |
| Taupo District. | 3,696 | 3,422 | -7.4% | 3,204 |
| Tauranga City. | 11,738 | 10,726 | -8.6% | 6,461 |
| Thames-Coromandel District. | 1,967 | 2,075 | 5.5% | 1,250 |
| Timaru District. | 1,606 | 1,646 | 2.5% | 1,534 |
| Upper Hutt City. | 3,231 | 3,370 | 4.3% | 2,043 |
| Waikato District. | 4,716 | 4,348 | -7.8% | 3,468 |
| Waimakariri District. | 2,456 | 2,588 | 5.4% | 1,476 |
| Waimate District. | 240 | 202 | -15.8% | 210 |
| Waipa District. | 3,396 | 3,182 | -6.3% | 1,783 |
| Wairoa District. | 692 | 756 | 9.2% | 507 |
| Waitaki District. | 623 | 694 | 11.4% | 708 |
| Waitomo District. | 600 | 596 | -0.7% | 423 |
| Wanganui District. | 3,974 | 4,152 | 4.5% | 2,888 |
| Wellington City. | 13,890 | 13,591 | -2.2% | 9,489 |
| Western Bay of Plenty District. | 2,752 | 2,395 | -13.0% | 1,607 |
| Westland District. | 252 | 324 | 28.6% | 287 |
| Whakatane District. | 2,889 | 2,430 | -15.9% | 2,280 |
| Whangarei District. | 7,961 | 8,295 | 4.2% | 5,860 |
| Total | 378,593 | 376,057 | -0.70% | 259,579 |
