Canbelego crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
12 recorded in this period, compared with 12 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Canbelego
Canbelego is a rural locality and former mining settlement in central-west New South Wales, situated within the Cobar Shire local government area and the 2835 postcode. Located approximately 50 kilometres east of Cobar, the area is characterized by an arid to semi-arid landscape typical of the Cobar Peneplain, featuring low-lying scrubland and an economy historically tied to pastoralism and mineral exploration. Due to its remote setting, the population is very small, contributing to the low-density demographic profile of the broader Cobar region.
The locality functions primarily as a remote rural area with limited modern infrastructure or commercial amenities, relying heavily on nearby Cobar for major services, healthcare, and retail. Public facilities within Canbelego itself are minimal, reflecting its status as a largely depopulated historical site rather than an active residential township. Local movement is facilitated by rural arterial roads connecting the scattered properties and historical sites to the regional hub of Cobar.
Canbelego has a rich industrial history, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a booming gold and copper mining centre. During its peak, the settlement supported thousands of residents, anchored by major operations such as the Mount Boppy Gold Mine, which was a significant gold producer in New South Wales. Today, the locality is recognized for its significant heritage value, featuring remnants of historic mining infrastructure, old shafts, and ruins that attract occasional heritage tourists and historians interested in the region's mining past.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 5 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 2 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 1 |
| Other theft | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 1 |
| Trespass | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 54 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.