The total rate returned to 2016 — but underneath, COVID hit different crimes in completely different ways. Three patterns tell the story.

Breach of Family Violence Order jumped 13.5% in 2020 alone, its biggest yearly rise, reaching 880 by 2025.
Family Violence Common Assault also rose in 2020, while non-family assault fell.
When confinement peaked, violence moved into the home.

Motor vehicle theft fell to 245 in 2022, then surged to 451 by 2025, above its pre-COVID level.
Retail theft dropped to 292 when shops closed, then climbed to 585, the highest in the dataset.
Lockdowns delayed these crimes but then they returned amplified.

Residential burglary fell 45% (534 → 293 per 100k) - 12,000 fewer offences a year.
It remains far below the starting point, a lasting decline.