Bathurst crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,714 recorded in this period, compared with 2,084 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bathurst
Bathurst is a regional city located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, situated approximately 200 kilometres west of Sydney along the Macquarie River. Governed by the Bathurst Regional Council (Local Government Area) and encompassing the postcode 2795, the locality functions as a major inland hub for the region. According to the 2021 Australian census, the broader Bathurst significant urban area recorded a population of over 37,000 residents, reflecting steady growth supported by its status as an educational, administrative, and commercial center.
The city offers a comprehensive range of urban amenities, balancing historical character with modern infrastructure. It is home to Charles Sturt University, a major regional hospital, and a well-developed commercial sector anchored by retail shopping and light industry. Bathurst is widely recognized nationally for its motorsport heritage, hosting major endurance motor racing events at the Mount Panorama Circuit. Additionally, the area is connected to major NSW transport networks via the Great Western Highway and the Main Western railway line, facilitating regular transit to Sydney and the state's western interior.
Proclaimed in 1815 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, Bathurst holds the distinction of being Australia’s oldest inland European settlement. Originally established as a pastoral outpost and a gateway to the western plains, the city experienced rapid economic expansion during the Australian gold rushes of the 1850s, following the discovery of gold at nearby Ophir. This heritage is preserved in the city's distinct 19th-century Victorian streetscapes, public parks, and notable civic architecture, which remain central to its local identity and tourism economy.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 360 | 311 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 142 | 199 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 127 | 149 |
| Steal from retail store | 118 | 180 |
| Malicious damage to property | 108 | 146 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 75 | 89 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 66 | 80 |
| Fraud | 63 | 79 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 48 | 53 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 45 | 54 |
| Other theft | 44 | 46 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 43 | 103 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 41 | 47 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 40 | 33 |
| Trespass | 38 | 58 |
| Liquor offences | 32 | 60 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 30 | 26 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 26 | 30 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 7,001 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.