Common mistakes leading to burglaries in Sydney revealed – realestate.com.au

Careless mistakes can cost homeowners thousands of dollars by exposing them to robberies, especially in areas of Sydney that have recently seen the highest number of burglaries.

Although burglaries have fallen in the long term, Jackie Fitzgerald, executive director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), said some parts of Sydney have a much higher risk of residential burglaries than elsewhere.

“Last year, the councils with the highest number of burglaries relative to their population were Hunters Hill, Parramatta, Strathfield, the City & Inner South and Cumberland LGAs,” she said.

While these are largely transportation hubs with high housing density, Fitzgerald said there is no reason why a suburb could have higher burglaries.

“They usually reflect a combination of home design and accessibility, predictable periods of home vacancy, levels of natural supervision and the attractiveness of what is inside,” she said.

Compare Market’s Chris Ford said thieves typically targeted electronics, jewelry and cash, according to their data.

“They are small, valuable and incredibly easy for thieves to resell,” he said.

“It is a reminder for households to secure valuables, keep them out of sight and ensure their insurance adequately covers these risk categories.”

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A general photo of crime in North Queensland. Image: iStock

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Compare the Market research in September 2025 found that 23.4 percent of Australians surveyed have had to make a home and/or contents insurance claim in the past five years, with the average amount paid out by insurers for theft being $11,776.

Ms Fitzgerald said the number of burglary and burglary crimes has fallen sharply in Greater Sydney over the past decade.

“From 2016 to 2025, residential burglaries decreased by 44 percent and commercial burglaries decreased by 31 percent,” she said.

“These improvements are visible across all 15 Sydney council areas.”

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Safety tips for your home. Photo: NSW Police

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David Spottiswood’s company Titan Shutters has installed security shutters for many Australians following burglaries.

Mr Spottiswood said burglars had entered through the windows of most customers because they noticed the lights in the house were off or items such as car keys were in plain view.

“A lot of burglaries we see result in cars being stolen or property being stolen,” he said.

“But the mental and emotional toll is priceless.”

Mr Spottiswood said the reason security shutters are effective at preventing burglaries is because when they are down, intruders cannot see what is behind them.

“It’s about feeling safe in your own home, but it’s also about raising the bar for the person trying to get in,” he said.

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Security cameras are one of many steps that can be taken to improve the security of your home.

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Ms Fitzgerald said residents can reduce the risk of burglary by taking simple steps to secure doors and windows, improve lighting and visibility, make homes look occupied when they are away and keep valuables out of sight.

“One benefit of owning a dog is that barking can also be a deterrent to potential thieves,” she added.

NSW Police say a large number of burglary crimes are easily preventable.

NSW Police have listed a number of home safety tips onlineincluding securing windows with key operated locks, installing quality lighting and installing a monitored intrusion alarm system.

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