The Most Common Time for Burglaries in New Zealand – Is Your Home Safe?

Posted in: General

Published: 13 Feb 2025

No one likes to think about burglaries, but the reality is that they happen more often than you might think. Did you know a burglary occurs approximately every 2.86 minutes in New Zealand? It’s a sobering statistic, but the good news is that understanding when burglars are most likely to strike can help you stay one step ahead.

Whether it's the wee hours of the morning or a lazy Sunday afternoon, burglars have their favourite times to strike, and understanding these patterns can make a world of difference. Using Police Victimisation data from 2024, we'll break down the stats on the most common time for burglaries so you know when your home is at its most vulnerable.

If burglars had a shift roster, it would reveal some very distinct preferences for when they clock in. Based on burglary data collected from January to October 2024, the time of day plays a significant role in home break-ins. Understanding this can help you better prepare your home against would-be intruders.

Reported burglaries with no day or time recorded have been excluded from this data.

The data shows that the highest number of burglaries occur during the late-night and early-morning hours. Midnight to 4 a.m. stands out as a particularly risky window, with midnight (12 a.m.) leading the pack at 1,571 recorded incidents. It seems burglars are keen to take advantage of the cover of darkness and the deep slumber of homeowners.

Following closely are incidents at 3, 1, and 2 a.m., all in the 1,200 range of recorded incidents. These hours may align with when most people are fast asleep, their alarms disengaged, and their homes silent, ideal conditions for an undetected entry.

In contrast, the least popular time for burglaries is at 7 a.m., with just 558 incidents recorded. This dip might be explained by the fact that many people are awake, preparing for their day, or already on their morning commute – activities that make a home less appealing to target.

It’s also worth noting that burglaries decrease dramatically from 5 a.m. onwards, likely as the world begins to stir and sunlight starts creeping in. By the time the coffee brews at 7 a.m., most burglars seem to have wrapped up their nightly activities. Interestingly, it spikes once again at midday, with 1,108 incidents, before another sharp drop off at 1 p.m.

The timing trends in the data are closely tied to human behaviour and environmental factors. Late-night and early-morning hours, such as those between midnight and 3 a.m., are when most people are asleep, and neighbourhoods are quiet. The stillness and reduced visibility during these hours make it easier for burglars to move undetected.

Another contributing factor could be the absence of foot or vehicle traffic. The streets are often empty between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m., reducing the chances of anyone spotting suspicious activity.

As the day progresses toward dawn, the environment changes. Early risers, morning joggers, and commuters begin to stir, increasing the likelihood of someone noticing unusual activity. Burglars are less likely to take risks when there's a higher chance of getting caught, which explains the sharp decline in activity after 4 a.m.

If burglars were to play favourites, Sunday would top their list. According to burglary data from this year, the day of the week plays a significant role when homes are most at risk. These trends reveal fascinating insights into how criminals might time their activities based on societal habits.

Reported burglaries with no day or time recorded have been excluded from this data.

The data shows that Sunday leads with 3,345 burglaries, narrowly edging out Saturday at 3,303. Weekends, in general, appear to be prime time for burglars. Why? It could be tied to routines. Sundays often involve outings of some sort. With homeowners out and about, burglars might see a golden opportunity to strike.

Moreover, people tend to let their guard down over the weekend, prioritising leisure over security. Unlocked garage doors, open windows, or a lapse in setting alarms could give intruders an edge.

In contrast, Tuesday is the quietest day for burglars, with 25,166 incidents recorded. Midweek may not offer the same opportunities as weekends, with many people working from home or adhering to strict routines that keep them more vigilant—burglars likely view Tuesdays as a low-reward day with a higher risk of detection.

The data clearly shows that burglary risks rise during weekends, with Sunday and Saturday topping the list, while weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday remain relatively safer.

However, it’s interesting to note that Monday and Friday, with 3,161 and 3,185 burglaries, respectively, see a spike in activity compared to other weekdays. This spike might be due to transitional periods when people are busier or less focused on home security, Monday mornings as the week kicks off and Friday evenings when people are winding down.

Understanding the day-to-day risks of burglaries can help homeowners anticipate vulnerabilities. While Sundays might feel like the perfect day to relax, for burglars, it’s prime time to work.

When it comes to burglaries, the garage door is often a weak link in home security. Many homeowners focus on locking their front doors and securing windows, but garages, frequently filled with valuables and providing direct access to the house, are a favourite target for intruders.

Burglars see garages as an ideal entry point for several reasons. First, garage doors are often less secure than main doors, relying on older locking mechanisms or being left unlocked entirely. Second, they’re typically tucked away, offering more privacy for a thief to operate unnoticed. And let’s not forget that garages often house high-value items like power tools, bicycles, and even vehicles.

Staying ahead of burglars means being proactive rather than reactive. Knowing their patterns, like their preference for late nights and weekends, gives you the upper hand in protecting your home.

Start being proactive with your home security and get in touch with Garador today. We'll help you secure one of the most vulnerable areas of your home with a new garage door.