2025 Year in Review: Understanding the Reduction in Reported Building Site Crime
As we reflect on 2025, it is important to view the year’s crime data in its proper context. While the figures show a notable reduction in reported construction site crime compared to 2024, this outcome has been influenced by both proactive crime prevention efforts and broader changes within the residential construction sector.
Just as importantly, what is difficult to measure is what non-PACT members are reporting, or more importantly, not reporting. This unknown factor must be considered when interpreting overall industry trends.
Industry Context Matters
During 2025, there was a significant reduction in new building starts by BGC Housing Group, which historically accounted for a substantial proportion of active residential construction sites. This reduction in site numbers has had a direct and obvious impact on overall crime reporting volumes from PACT, as fewer active sites naturally result in fewer opportunities for offending and fewer incidents to report.
This context is critical when making year-on-year comparisons.
Incident Reporting Overview
In 2025, PACT received a total of 545 incident reports, compared to 945 reports in 2024.
Total reported loss/damage in 2025: $598,487
Total reported loss/damage in 2024: $941,731
While the reduction in reported losses of more than $340,000 is encouraging, it must be acknowledged that reduced construction activity has contributed to this outcome alongside targeted policing, improved security measures, and consistent reporting by PACT members.
Breakdown of Reported Offences
Despite fewer active sites, offence data continues to provide valuable insight into trends and risks within the industry:
Attempted burglaries:
17 in 2025 (down from 33 in 2024)Burglaries:
129 in 2025 (down from 270 in 2024)Stealing offences:
227 in 2025 (down from 332 in 2024)Damage offences:
45 in 2025 (down from 86 in 2024)Suspicious activity reports:
20 in 2025 (down from 25 in 2024)Illegal rubbish dumping:
102 in 2025 (down from 202 in 2024)
These reductions reflect a combination of lower site density, targeted reporting, and WA Police enforcement intervention, rather than a simple decline in offender activity.
It is also important to recognise that unreported incidents, from non-PACT members, reduce industry-wide visibility and can mask emerging crime trends.
GPS Tracking, Investigations and Enforcement
Throughout 2025:
83 GPS tracking devices were deployed to PACT member sites
70 investigations into onsite crime were conducted
36 individuals were charged or formally spoken to by police, compared withover 60 individuals in 2024
These outcomes demonstrate that even with fewer active sites, accurate and timely reporting continues to lead to meaningful enforcement action.
Court Outcomes
In 2025, 9 adults received imprisonment or suspended prison sentences for offences related to construction site crime. These court outcomes reinforce that building site crime remains a policing priority and that offenders will continue to be held accountable.
Looking Ahead
As construction activity fluctuates across the industry, ongoing and accurate crime reporting remains essential. Reduced building starts may temporarily suppress reported crime figures, but without consistent reporting — particularly across the broader, non-member sector — PACT and WA Police risk losing visibility of emerging hotspots, repeat offenders and high-theft assets.
A fantastic outcome and a reminder of the importance of reporting crime within the building industry.
Let’s hope the courts continue to provide appropriate punishment and deterrence as we move forward in 2026.