Gold Coast Suburbs with the Highest Crime Rates
The Gold Coast has experienced a troubling 3.95% rise in crime from 2023 to 2024. The region reported 53,118 crimes total, which translates to 84.92 crimes per 1,000 people in its population of 625,491.
A closer look at individual suburbs reveals some striking patterns. Broadbeach stands out with a concerning crime rate of 360.74 per 1,000 residents. Surfers Paradise follows with 248.9 per 1,000 residents. The Gold Coast’s crime rates show substantial variations between suburbs. Southport and Broadbeach Waters have recorded 163.49 and 176.38 crimes per 1,000 residents, respectively. Tourist hotspots and areas with temporary residents tend to see higher crime rates.
This piece will dive into the Gold Coast suburbs that face the highest crime rates. We’ll get into the most frequent types of offences, where theft guides the list with 18,061 cases in 2024. You’ll also find practical prevention tips for homeowners. The statistics become more meaningful when compared to Queensland and Australian crime rates, offering a comprehensive view of safety throughout the Gold Coast region.
Understanding Crime in Gold Coast Suburbs
The Gold Coast’s crime patterns tell a different story from Queensland’s overall trends. Crime figures have risen across the state, but the Gold Coast shows fewer offences in some categories. The numbers speak for themselves – robberies dropped 18.6% compared to last year, while Queensland saw a 10.1% increase.
The city records 76.8 offences per 1,000 residents, which went up by 6.2 since 2021. These numbers only tell part of the story. Crime doesn’t spread evenly across the region – tourist spots and entertainment districts see the most criminal activity.
A clear trend shows up when we take a closer look: areas packed with tourists, businesses, and nightlife report higher crime rates. This explains why places like Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise show such high numbers despite their small local population.
Studies point to several factors that affect crime rates in Gold Coast suburbs. Population density is linked to criminal activity. Some areas face challenges due to economic disadvantages. The impact of domestic and family violence runs deep – it affects 53% of young offenders who were either victims or witnesses.
Theft leads the crime categories with 18,061 reported cases in 2024. Home break-ins jumped 20% over twelve months, leading to AUD 1.94 million in insurance claims. These criminals typically act on opportunity, targeting homes where they can easily spot valuables or find unlocked entries.
Local authorities have put several working strategies in place:
- Proactive policing using criminal intelligence data to target prolific offenders
- “Third-party policing” involving local businesses in crime prevention
- Youth diversionary programmes showing impressive success rates
The Gold Coast’s crime rate ranks 35/100 nationally, but targeted programmes show better results than other Queensland regions.
Top 5 Suburbs with the Highest Crime Rates
Several hot spots stand out with alarming statistics in specific areas across the region. Statistics from the Queensland Police Service over a 12-month period to October 2024, combined with the 2023 ABS Estimated Resident Population figures, highlight particular suburbs as focal points for criminal activity.
- Broadbeach
ย Broadbeach tops the list with 2,448 reported crimes among its 6,786 residents. The crime rate reaches 360.74 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a crime rank of 44/100. The area recorded 119 violent crimes (17.54 per 1,000 people) and 749 property crimes (110.37 per 1,000 people). These numbers exceed other Gold Coast suburbs by 88.9% for violent crimes and 94.97% for property crimes. - Surfers Paradise
ย The Gold Coast’s tourism hub, Surfers Paradise, reported 6,679 total offences with a crime rate of 248.9 per 1,000 residents. The numbers show a 6% rise from last year. The suburb’s crime rank stands at 37/100. - Southport
ย Southport’s population of 36,786 experienced 6,014 crimes. This results in 163.49 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 28th out of 100 suburbs. The suburb recorded 454 violent crimes (12.34 per 1,000 people) and 3,049 property crimes (82.88 per 1,000 people). - Broadbeach Waters
ย This residential area with 8,164 residents reported 1,440 crimes. The crime rate reaches 176.38 per 1,000 residents, ranking 24th out of 100 suburbs. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre’s vicinity accounts for nearly 60% of all reported crimes. - Main Beach
ย Main Beach’s 3,998 residents experienced 528 offences. The crime rate stands at 132.07 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20th out of 100 suburbs. Records show 33 violent crimes (8.25 per 1,000 people) and 266 property crimes (66.53 per 1,000 people).
RACQ Insurance’s research on home theft identifies Ormeau, Upper Coomera, Nerang, Arundel and Worongary as the top five areas targeted by thieves. The Gold Coast’s home break-ins have risen by 20% in a recent year, with insurance claims reaching AUD 1.94 million.
Home Prevention Methods
Gold Coast’s rising crime rates have made home protection a priority for residents in suburbs of all types. Break-in statistics show that forced entry through doors and windows makes up 35% of residential burglaries. These break-ins happen mostly during the day, between 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm.
A strong first line of defence starts with secure entry points. One of the most effective measures Gold Coast homeowners can take is installing high-quality security screens from Screen and Blind Master. These security screens not only provide protection against forced entry but also allow you to keep doors and windows open to enjoy Queensland’s cooling sea breezes without compromising safety. Research shows that merely having visible security screens deters burglars from even attempting to break in, as they typically seek easier targets.
Quality deadbolts, reinforced frames, and security screens that meet Australian standards will protect your home from forced entry. Research confirms that 75% of convicted burglars avoid homes with visible security measures like these.
Good lighting makes your home less attractive to potential intruders. Motion-activated security lights near entry points and around your property eliminate hiding spots. Studies prove that well-lit homes face fewer break-ins.
Modern technology adds extra protection layers. CCTV systems with HD video, remote viewing, and motion detection help deter criminals and provide evidence if needed. Security networks that combine alarms with cameras and sensors lower your burglary risk.
Your everyday habits play a big part in keeping your home safe. Here’s what you can do:
- Lock all doors and windows, even when you’re home
- Keep valuables and car keys hidden from view
- Trim landscaping to remove potential hiding spots
- Wait until you’re back to post vacation photos on social media
When you’re away for long periods, make your home look lived-in. Get someone to collect your mail, use timers for lights and TVs, and ask neighbours to watch your property. Homes without security measures are 300% more likely to be broken into. This fact shows why these protective steps matter so much in Gold Coast suburbs.
Conclusion
The Gold Coast’s crime rate tells a complex story about safety in this popular Australian region. Crime tends to cluster in tourist hotspots like Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, where theft leads the list of offences. The 20% rise in home break-ins shows why residents need to take prevention seriously.
These numbers need context. Many Gold Coast neighbourhoods have lower crime rates than other major Australian cities, even though some suburbs face higher crime levels. Local police strategies have started to show good results through targeted action plans.
Gold Coast homeowners can take practical steps to protect their properties. Quality security screens, proper lighting, and daily security habits can cut break-in risks by up to 300%. Residents who take these security measures can sleep better at night, knowing they’ve reduced their risk.
Knowledge about crime rates in different suburbs helps people make better choices about where to live, visit, or invest. No place offers perfect safety, but understanding local patterns helps residents choose the right security measures. The Gold Coast keeps its charm as a beautiful region where awareness and prevention help create positive experiences.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editorโs Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
