Berkeley crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
689 recorded in this period, compared with 795 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Berkeley
Berkeley is a residential suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated within the City of Wollongong local government area and the 2506 postcode. Geographically, the locality is positioned approximately 8 kilometres southwest of the Wollongong central business district, bounded to the west by the Illawarra escarpment and to the east by the shores of Lake Illawarra. According to the 2021 Australian census, Berkeley recorded a population of 8,427 residents, reflecting a diverse demographic profile.
The suburb functions primarily as a residential area, supported by local commercial hubs, educational facilities, and community infrastructure. Local amenities include neighborhood shopping strips, primary schools, and extensive parklands along the Lake Illawarra foreshore, which provide opportunities for recreation such as walking, cycling, and water-based activities. Public transport connections link the suburb to Wollongong and surrounding Illawarra hubs via local bus networks.
Historically, the area formed part of the traditional lands of the Wadi Wadi people before European settlement. The locality developed significantly during the mid-20th century, transitioning from rural and agricultural land use into a suburban housing area to accommodate the post-war industrial workforce drawn to the region's steel industry in nearby Port Kembla.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 73 | 75 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 67 | 54 |
| Malicious damage to property | 63 | 66 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 62 | 63 |
| Fraud | 41 | 40 |
| Breach bail conditions | 33 | 33 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 33 | 29 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 31 | 28 |
| Steal from retail store | 30 | 76 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 26 | 22 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 26 | 29 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 22 | 35 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 20 | 25 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 18 | 16 |
| Other offences | 18 | 9 |
| Steal from dwelling | 15 | 24 |
| Trespass | 15 | 34 |
| Sexual assault | 14 | 20 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 7,798 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.