Lyla Lindsey
Brisbane, Australia, is considered the safest major city on the east coast of Australia. However, opinions vary on how safe the city is. Some sources claim that Brisbane is not safe, with many random attacks and violent crimes. Others claim that Brisbane is much safer than any other city in Queensland. In 2023, there were 38,721 reported cases of theft and 12,713 reported cases of burglary in Brisbane. In 2024, there were 4,231 reported cases of theft and 433 reported cases of property damage. Brisbane's crime rate is increasing faster than Sydney's, which is a cause for concern.
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What You'll Learn
Theft
Brisbane has a relatively high crime rate, and many residents feel unsafe in the city. There are various accounts of random attacks in social settings, road rage, and aggression in public spaces. Alcoholism is also said to be an issue in the city.
Motor vehicle theft is a significant issue in Brisbane, with a 10% increase in 2022, resulting in 60,417 victims across Australia. In 2024, there were 79 reported cases of motor vehicle theft in Brisbane City alone. Over half of the stolen vehicles were taken from residential areas or the street.
Other theft offences often occur at retail locations, with 27,599 victims in Western Australia in 2023, and 79,516 victims across Australia in the same year.
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Drug dealing and trafficking
The drug trade in Brisbane is controlled by organised crime groups, who profit heavily from the unregulated market. Illicit drugs consumed in Brisbane include methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, and heroin, with a total estimated value of over $9.3 billion in a single year. The usage of ice has increased in both metropolitan and regional Queensland, despite government efforts to address the issue.
Drug offences often lead to or are accompanied by other crimes. Superintendent Fleming noted that drug-related violence, destruction, and social problems are prevalent in Brisbane. Drug users may commit break-ins and robberies to fund their addiction, and drug debts can result in torture and violent rampages. The impact of drugs on individuals and communities is a significant concern for law enforcement.
Brisbane has a reputation for being unsafe, particularly for women, with reports of random attacks and aggressive behaviour. The city's high humidity and emphasis on drinking and gambling may contribute to a degenerate atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of organised crime groups and money laundering operations further contribute to the perception of Brisbane as a crime-ridden city.
Overall, drug dealing and trafficking are significant contributors to Brisbane's crime rate, with far-reaching consequences for the city and its residents. The high number of reported cases and the impact of drugs on the community present a challenging situation for law enforcement and social services.
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Disorderly and offensive conduct
In 2023, Brisbane, Australia, recorded 7,905 cases of disorderly and offensive conduct. The same year, South Brisbane recorded 246 cases of the same offence, while Brisbane City, the least safe suburb in Brisbane, recorded 1,914 cases in 2024. Disorderly behaviour, as defined by Section 74A of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA), includes actions that are disruptive, offensive, or threatening to public safety, as well as conduct that prevents others from enjoying public spaces. This can include the use of offensive language.
Offensive behaviour is considered a simple offence, typically resulting in a fine. However, it can also carry harsher punishments, such as up to one year of imprisonment. In Queensland, where Brisbane is located, offensive behaviour offences can result in 20 penalty units or one year of imprisonment.
It is important to note that the median age of offenders in Australia has been rising, reaching 32 years in 2023-24. This indicates a shift towards an older demographic for criminal activities.
Defences against charges of offensive behaviour include self-defence, where the accused acted to protect themselves or others from harm, and the belief that their conduct was not disorderly.
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Assault and related offences
While Brisbane is considered a safe city by some, others argue that it is ridden with crime and drugs. According to one source, there were 533 reported cases of assault and related offences in Brisbane City in 2024. This is in contrast to the significantly higher number of reported cases of theft (4,231) and drug dealing and trafficking (2,026) in the same year.
Acts intended to cause injury were the most common principal offence in Australia in the 2023-24 financial year, with 68,196 male offenders and 23,968 female offenders. This was also the most common principal offence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders. The median age of offenders in Australia rose to 32 years in 2023-24, up from 31 years in 2022-23.
Brisbane has seen a rise in the number of cases of rape, with sexual assault recorded by police increasing by 11% from 2022 to 36,318 victims. Family and domestic violence offenders increased by 3% to 90,697 offenders in the same period. This is part of a broader trend of increasing family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia.
Some residents of Brisbane have expressed concerns about their safety, particularly women. There have been reports of random attacks in entertainment venues and aggressive behaviour from drivers and pedestrians. However, others feel safe in the city and attribute the negative perceptions to the presence of "youth crime," which is common in many cities.
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Property damage
Brisbane, Australia, has been described as one of the worst cities in Australia for crime and drugs. However, opinions vary, with some people saying they feel safe in the city and that the crime rate is moderate. According to Safer Australia's analysis, Brisbane is ranked safer than 59% of Australian cities and towns, regardless of population size. This means Brisbane's crime rate is near the average for all Australian cities and towns.
Property crime, in general, is a concern in Brisbane. In 2023, there were 38,721 theft cases reported in Brisbane. In 2024, there were 4,231 theft cases reported in Brisbane City. Theft can take various forms, including shoplifting, stealing from homes, or taking vehicles without permission.
Other types of property crimes include unlawful entry (burglary), unlawful use of motor vehicles, fraud, handling stolen goods, and arson. In 2020, the Queensland Government reported over 72,336 offences against property in the Greater Brisbane Region, including damage and theft offences.
Break-ins or unlawful entry is often a crime of opportunity, and certain areas of Brisbane have higher break-in rates than others. Forest Lake, for example, has been mentioned as an area with a problem of robberies and break-ins. To protect against break-ins, residents can install security screens, which can also add value to their property.
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Frequently asked questions
Brisbane is considered the safest major city on Australia's east coast. However, as the city becomes more populated, its crime rate is increasing at a faster rate than Sydney. In 2020, Queensland households saw a 2.5% attempted break-in rate, with a total of 47,500 incidents reported to local authorities. In 2023, there were 38,721 reported cases of theft, 12,713 cases of burglary, and 12,016 cases of drug dealing and trafficking.
The most common crimes in Brisbane are theft, burglary, drug dealing and trafficking, and property damage. There are also reports of random attacks in pubs, clubs, and discos, as well as road aggression and dangerous driving.
Areas in Brisbane with higher crime rates include Runcorn, Sunnybank, Woodridge, and Inala.
To address the crime rate in Brisbane, residents are encouraged to take precautions such as installing security screens and following home security tips. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) also works to maintain safety and provide resources like the Online Crime Map and Neighbourhood Watch Meetings.
