Darlington (Sydney) crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
180 recorded in this period, compared with 186 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Darlington (Sydney)
Darlington is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, located approximately 3 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district. Falling within the City of Sydney local government area and the 2008 postcode, it is geographically one of the city's smallest suburbs, bounded by major thoroughfares including City Road and Cleveland Street. Demographically, Darlington is characterised by a highly transient and youthful population, heavily influenced by its immediate adjacency to the University of Sydney. The area features high-density student accommodation alongside Victorian-era terrace housing, resulting in a distinct demographic profile dominated by young adults and renters.
Local life in Darlington revolves around academic activity, urban commuting, and vibrant inner-city amenity. The suburb is primarily residential, interspersed with local cafes, student services, and small businesses, particularly along outlets like Abercrombie Street. Due to its compact size, residents rely heavily on neighbouring suburbs such as Chippendale, Newtown, and Redfern for broader retail, dining, and cultural infrastructure. Public transport connectivity is strong, with proximity to major bus routes, Redfern railway station, and pedestrian and cycle links connecting directly to the university campus and the broader Sydney CBD.
Historically, Darlington developed during the mid-to-late 19th century as a working-class industrial and residential suburb following the subdivision of major land grants. It was named in honour of Governor Ralph Darling and was incorporated as a municipality in 1888 before being amalgamated into the City of Sydney. The area retains significant Victorian and Federation heritage, particularly in its intact residential streetscapes of single and double-story terrace houses. Over the latter half of the 20th century, the expansion of the University of Sydney significantly reshaped the suburb's footprint, absorbing substantial portions of the historical residential fabric for educational and research facilities.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other theft | 34 | 47 |
| Fraud | 24 | 18 |
| Steal from dwelling | 20 | 12 |
| Malicious damage to property | 14 | 18 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 11 | 4 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 10 | 5 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 16 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 5 | 9 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 4 | 6 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 4 | 11 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 4 | 5 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 3 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 3 | 1 |
| Liquor offences | 3 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 3 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 3 | 1 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 3 |
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.