Canterbury crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
401 recorded in this period, compared with 361 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Canterbury
Canterbury is a predominantly residential suburb located 10 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district in New South Wales, within the postcode 2193. It serves as a constituent locality of the Canterbury-Bankstown local government area. Geographically, the suburb is shaped by the Cooks River, which runs through the area, providing natural green spaces and pedestrian pathways. Demographically, Canterbury is characterised by a culturally diverse population living in a mix of historic single-dwelling homes and a growing number of medium-to-high-density apartment complexes, particularly around the commercial hub near the railway station.
Local life in Canterbury centres around its commercial strip along Canterbury Road and surrounding streets, which offers a variety of retail shops, eateries, and essential services. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, featuring the Canterbury railway station on the Bankstown Line, alongside multiple bus routes. Key recreational amenities include Canterbury Park Racecourse, Tasker Park—which features aquatic and fitness facilities—and the surrounding Cooks River cycleways, catering to both local residents and visitors.
The area possesses a rich history, originally inhabited by the Darug people prior to European settlement. European history dates back to the early 19th century when land grants were issued, most notably to Robert Campbell, who established a large estate and named it after his birthplace in England. A significant industrial heritage developed around the Cooks River during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including flour mills and sugar works. Today, this historical legacy is preserved through various heritage-listed buildings and sites scattered throughout the contemporary urban landscape.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from retail store | 39 | 5 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 37 | 43 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 37 | 23 |
| Malicious damage to property | 34 | 21 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 33 | 21 |
| Fraud | 33 | 45 |
| Steal from dwelling | 31 | 31 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 21 | 19 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 20 | 31 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 18 | 3 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 17 | 11 |
| Other theft | 10 | 12 |
| Breach bail conditions | 8 | 9 |
| Trespass | 7 | 8 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 6 | 6 |
| Sexual assault | 6 | 8 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 5 | 1 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 5 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 9,430 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.