Machete Attacks in Australia: Rising Concerns and How to Protect Your Property

Machete-related violence has become an increasingly prominent public safety concern in Australia, with high-profile incidents, growing police weapon seizures and tougher weapons laws bringing the issue into the spotlight.

From violent confrontations in shopping centres to attacks in public spaces, reports of machetes being used in criminal incidents have left many Australians questioning how they can better protect themselves, their families and their properties.

While no security measure can eliminate every risk, homeowners and property managers can take practical steps to improve security and reduce opportunities for unauthorised access.

At Bull Defence, we believe that effective security starts with prevention. In this article, we examine the latest available information on machete-related crime, explain what the figures tell us, and explore practical ways to strengthen your property's perimeter security.

Machete Crime in Australia: What Do the Statistics Show?

Concern about machete-related violence has grown in recent years, particularly following several high-profile incidents in Victoria.

However, it is important to distinguish between the number of machete attacks, broader knife-crime statistics and the number of weapons seized by police. These figures measure different things, and weapon seizures alone do not prove that attacks are increasing nationally.

Victoria's rising weapon seizures

Victoria Police reported in June 2025 that officers had seized 6,876 illegal knives, machetes and zombie knives during the first part of that year. Police said the annual number of knives seized and destroyed had increased by 31% over the preceding decade.

In September 2026, ABC News reported that Victoria Police had seized more than 15,000 machetes, zombie knives and other knives during the previous year.

These figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement and the continued concern about dangerous edged weapons in the community.

What does this mean for Australian households?

Although these statistics do not establish a nationwide rise in machete attacks, they demonstrate why weapon-related violence and community safety remain important issues. For property owners, they also reinforce the value of reviewing existing security arrangements and addressing vulnerabilities before an incident occurs.

Sources:

• ABC News: Record number of machetes seized in Victoria this year, police say

• ABC News: Police intelligence suggests young people are stashing knives in public places across Melbourne

Why Machete-Related Violence Is Raising Community Concerns

Machetes are large-bladed weapons capable of causing severe injuries. Their reported use in violent confrontations has raised concerns among residents, business owners, retail workers and security professionals.

Several factors have contributed to the public debate.

High-profile violent incidents

Reports of machete-related confrontations in shopping centres and other public places have attracted significant media attention. Such incidents can put bystanders at risk, disrupt businesses and create understandable anxiety within affected communities.

Increased attention from police

Police agencies have stepped up efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation, conduct weapons searches where authorised and enforce relevant weapons legislation.

In Victoria, the government introduced a permanent ban on machete sales and, from 1 September 2025, machetes became prohibited weapons subject to exemptions and approval requirements.

The legislation reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the issue.

For current requirements, consult the official Victoria Police machete ban guidance.

Greater awareness of personal and property security

Public concern about violent crime can prompt homeowners and business operators to reconsider their security measures. While perimeter security cannot prevent every form of violence, a well-planned system can help make properties less accessible to unauthorised visitors.

Could Better Perimeter Security Help Protect Your Property?

When people think about home security, they often focus on alarm systems, security cameras and reinforced doors. These measures can all be valuable, but the boundary surrounding a property deserves equal consideration.

A fence is often the first physical barrier between a property and the outside world. If it is easy to climb, damaged or poorly secured, it may provide limited resistance to someone attempting to enter.

Improving perimeter security can help reduce opportunities for unauthorised entry and complement other security measures.

Areas worth reviewing include:

• Front and rear boundary fences.

• Side passages and accessways.

• Gates leading to backyards and garages.

• Fences adjoining public laneways or shared access areas.

• Sections where trees, bins or other objects could assist climbing.

Every property is different, so the best solution will depend on the fence design, surrounding environment and potential access points.

Anti-Climb Fence Spikes: An Additional Layer of Security

One option for strengthening suitable boundary fences is the installation of anti-climb fence spikes.

These products are designed to make climbing over a fence or wall more difficult, helping deter opportunistic trespassers and unauthorised access.

For property owners who already have a suitable fence in place, adding a compatible fence-top deterrent may offer a practical way to improve existing perimeter security.

1. Help deter unauthorised entry

A visible anti-climb deterrent can make a boundary less attractive to someone seeking an easy way onto a property. Making access more difficult may encourage opportunistic intruders to reconsider their approach.

2. Strengthen existing fences

Replacing an entire fence can be expensive and disruptive. Depending on the construction and condition of the existing boundary, suitable fence-top security products may provide an additional layer of protection without requiring a complete replacement.

3. Address vulnerable access points

Side gates, rear fences and less-visible boundaries can be overlooked when homeowners assess security. Identifying these areas and considering suitable protective measures can help create a more consistent security perimeter.

4. Complement cameras and alarms

Anti-climb fence spikes are not a substitute for other security systems. Instead, they can form part of a layered approach that includes cameras, motion-activated lighting, secure gates, appropriate locks and alarms.

The objective is to make unauthorised access more difficult while improving the chances that suspicious activity will be noticed.

Five Practical Ways to Improve Property Security

Whether you own a family home, manage a commercial property or operate a warehouse, there are several practical steps you can take to strengthen security.

1. Inspect your fence line

Walk around your property and look for damaged panels, low sections, loose posts and other weaknesses. Pay particular attention to areas that are concealed from street view.

2. Secure gates and access points

Ensure gates close properly and have suitable locks. Check side entrances, garage accessways and rear gates that may otherwise be overlooked.

3. Improve outdoor lighting

Motion-activated lighting can improve visibility around driveways, entrances and side passages. Good lighting can also support the effectiveness of security cameras.

4. Consider appropriate surveillance

Security cameras can help monitor entrances and boundary areas, while alarms may alert occupants or monitoring services to suspicious activity. Make sure any system is appropriately positioned and maintained.

5. Consider suitable anti-climb protection

Where permitted and appropriate, anti-climb fence-top products may help deter people from scaling vulnerable boundaries. Choose products compatible with your fence and ensure installation complies with applicable laws, local requirements and safety considerations.

Taking a layered approach is generally more effective than relying on a single security product.

Is Your Fence Doing Enough to Protect Your Property?

A fence may provide privacy and mark the boundary of your property, but its security value depends on its design, height, condition and accessibility.

If someone can easily climb over it, the fence may not provide the level of protection you expect.

This is particularly worth considering for properties containing vehicles, tools, equipment or other valuable assets. Improving the perimeter can form part of a broader effort to protect these items and discourage trespassing.

Before choosing a solution, assess the specific risks associated with your property. Consider the condition of the fence, access from neighbouring properties, lighting and the security of gates.

Remember that anti-climb products are designed to deter access, not guarantee protection against crime. They should be installed responsibly, with appropriate consideration for children, pets, neighbours and legitimate access.

Protecting Your Property Starts with Prevention

Machete-related violence and broader knife crime continue to attract attention across Australia. Police weapon-seizure figures and reports of serious incidents highlight the importance of taking community safety seriously, even though they do not establish that machete attacks are increasing in every part of the country.

For homeowners and businesses, one practical response is to review existing security arrangements and identify opportunities to improve protection.

Secure gates, well-maintained fencing, outdoor lighting, surveillance and suitable anti-climb deterrents can all contribute to a more comprehensive security strategy.

Taking action now can help address weaknesses before they become a problem.

Strengthen Your Perimeter with Bull Defence

At Bull Defence, we understand the importance of protecting your property with practical perimeter security solutions.

If you're looking to make an existing fence more difficult to climb, explore our range of anti-climb fence-top security products and consider which options are suitable for your property.

Whether you're securing a residential boundary, driveway, side passage or commercial site, the right approach starts with identifying vulnerabilities and choosing an appropriate solution.

Visit BulDefence.com.au to explore our anti-climb fence security range and take the next step towards improving your property's perimeter protection.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about crime awareness and property security. No fence or security product can guarantee prevention of crime. Check applicable laws, local requirements, product suitability and safety considerations before installing fence-top deterrents.