Full list: Worst suburbs for break-ins in Canberra revealed

New crime data from the first half of 2025 shows a sharp rise in home burglaries across Canberra’s northern suburbs. See which suburbs are the worst hit.

Burglaries are on the rise across Canberra.

Aussie families are being warned after a surge in home break-ins across Canberra’s northern suburbs, with almost 100 burglaries reported in six months.

From quiet streets to busy hubs, 25 suburbs have been hit according to Open Data Portal, data collated by the ACT Government.

The data reveals at least 96 burglaries in a dwelling were recorded across the region from January to June — an average of one break-in every two days.

The worst-affected area was Belconnen, which logged 13 reported home burglaries, far outpacing other suburbs.

Bruce followed with nine break-ins, while Spence, Kaleen, Higgins, and Macgregor each reported seven incidents.

Break-ins occurred in both high-density residential areas and quieter outer-ring suburbs.

Suburbs such as Weetangera (6 burglaries) and Evatt (5), traditionally considered more insulated from crime, have also been significantly affected.

Data has revealed the worst spots for break-ins across Canberra.

Others — like Giralang, McKellar, and Kaleen — have consistently appeared in past crime bulletins, reinforcing long-term concerns about vulnerability to property crime.

There were no suburbs in the northern region with a completely clean slate, while low-report areas like Cook, Holt, Dunlop, and Scullin registered at least one break-in this year.

In response to this emerging trend, police have arrested seven teenagers allegedly behind a spate of break-ins and stolen cars across the ACT since February.

“Most burglaries are opportunistic, but understandably no less confronting for the victims,” Superintendent Anthony Brown said.

“We also see offenders breaking into homes to locate car keys, which they then use to steal the vehicle.

“We encourage people to hide their car keys and lock their doors and windows.”

Since January 1, almost 200 vehicles have been reported stolen in the ACT — many linked to break-ins where offenders have entered homes, taken car keys, and fled in stolen vehicles.

Supt Brown continued: “If there isn’t an easy way into a home or nothing visible from the windows of value, then this is often enough of a deterrent.”

ACT Policing launched Operation Minlaton in February, identifying more than a dozen teenagers and one young adult allegedly involved in the spate of thefts.

Police allege the group would enter homes through unlocked doors — often in teams — to steal car keys and other valuables. On multiple occasions, stolen vehicles were reportedly used to evade police at high speeds before the suspects were eventually apprehended.

All were already known to police, many for similar offences, and were either on bail or subject to good behaviour orders at the time of their arrest.

The region is on track to exceeding 190 break-ins for 2025, making it one of the worst periods for home burglary in the nation’s capital.

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Originally published as Full list: Worst suburbs for break-ins in Canberra revealed