NCJ Number
167852
Date Published
1997
Length
93 pages
Annotation
Statistical data covering the 1991-1996 period indicate the level of common property crimes in Australia did not sharply rise or fall while the two most common violent crimes (assault and robbery) increased.
Abstract
About 1.4 million property offenses were reported to the police in 1995-1996, representing about 1 offense for every 13 people in Australia. Theft, excluding motor vehicle theft, was the most frequent property crime, followed by breaking and entering, malicious damage to property, and motor vehicle theft. About 60 percent of all breaking and entering offenses occurred in private homes. About 12 motor vehicles were stolen for every 1,000 vehicles registered in 1995-1996. While assault and robbery increased between 1991 and 1996, the level of armed robbery remained fairly constant. On average, there were 345 homicides a year, a rate of less than 2 per 100,000 population. About two in three homicides occurred in residential locations. Detailed statistical data are provided on male and female offenders, property and violent crime levels, victimization, police expenditures, court costs, and prisoners in custody. In addition, comparative data are included that compare crime in Australia between 1972 and 1995 with crime in Canada, New Zealand, England, Wales, Germany, Japan, and the United States. References, tables, and figures