Copacabana crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
102 recorded in this period, compared with 80 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Copacabana
Copacabana is a coastal suburb located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, within the Central Coast Council local government area and bearing the postcode 2251. Situated approximately 100 kilometres north of Sydney, the locality is bounded by the Tasman Sea to the east, Cockrone Lagoon to the south, and forested ridges to the north and west. According to the 2021 Australian census, the suburb supports a predominantly residential population characterised by a mix of permanent families, retirees, and holiday homeowners.
The suburb functions primarily as a residential and recreational beachside community. Local amenities are concentrated around a small commercial strip on Avenida Alta Vista, featuring cafes, restaurants, and convenience retail. Copacabana Beach, which is patrolled during the warmer months, provides facilities for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the adjacent Cockrone Lagoon offers opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching. The locality is connected to surrounding areas via Copacabana Drive, linking it to the neighbouring centres of Macmasters Beach and Avoca Beach.
Originally inhabited by the Darkinjung people, the area remained largely undeveloped bushland and swampland following European settlement. The locality was officially named in the mid-20th century, reportedly inspired by the famous Brazilian beach after a local resident returned from South America. Substantial residential subdivision and development occurred from the 1950s onward, transforming the isolated coastal pocket into the established commuter and holiday suburb it is today.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 28 | 14 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 11 | 7 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 7 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 7 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 6 | 4 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 6 | 6 |
| Other theft | 5 | 4 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 4 | 5 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 4 | 1 |
| Fraud | 3 | 6 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 3 |
| Trespass | 3 | 4 |
| Assault Police | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 2 | 3 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 2 |
| Other offences | 2 | 1 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 2 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,809 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.