Arncliffe crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
509 recorded in this period, compared with 478 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Arncliffe
Arncliffe is a mature, densely populated suburb located in the southern region of Sydney, New South Wales, approximately 11 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district. Falling primarily within the local government area of the Bayside Council (with a small northern portion historically under the City of Sydney), the suburb shares the 2205 postcode and is characterised by a diverse multicultural demographic. Geographically, it bridges the dense inner-south and the more residential Illawarra corridor, featuring a mix of historic low-density housing, medium-density apartments, and light commercial areas, situated close to the Cooks River and Sydney Airport.
The local lifestyle is defined by strong transport connectivity and commercial convenience. Arncliffe railway station, located on the Illawarra line, provides frequent commuter services to the Sydney CBD and Cronulla. The main commercial strip along Firth Street and the Princes Highway features a variety of retail stores, grocery shops, and eateries reflecting the suburb's multicultural population. For recreation, residents have access to local parks, sports fields, and nearby natural assets such as Cahill Park and the Cooks River cycleways, while major retail hubs like Rockdale Plaza are situated nearby.
Historically, the area was originally home to the Gweagal and Bidjigal clans of the Eora Nation before European settlement. The suburb's name is derived from "Arncliffe," the birthplace of English surveyor and pastoralist John Townson, who was granted land in the area in the early 19th century. Urbanisation accelerated significantly following the opening of the Illawarra railway line in the late 19th century. Arncliffe retains a rich architectural heritage, evidenced by several surviving Victorian and Federation-era homes, heritage-listed churches, and historic commercial buildings that contrast with modern infill residential developments.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 59 | 88 |
| Malicious damage to property | 49 | 38 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 45 | 21 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 44 | 35 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 43 | 42 |
| Steal from dwelling | 38 | 31 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 34 | 20 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 21 | 19 |
| Breach bail conditions | 20 | 10 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 18 | 23 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 17 | 20 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 17 | 24 |
| Other theft | 13 | 11 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 12 | 6 |
| Trespass | 10 | 6 |
| Other drug offences | 8 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 8 | 13 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 6 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 12,023 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.