The Wire

Australian burglary rates have hit their lowest point in nine years, with Victoria, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, the ACT and Tasmania all recording significant falls.

The statistics, collected by police over the last year and released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, still show that most burglaries take place in homes and retail premises.

There is speculation among the criminology community that a reduction in illicit drug consumption could be responsible, as well as increased home security, although government initiatives also have a part to play.