Dee Why crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
895 recorded in this period, compared with 933 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Dee Why
Dee Why is a coastal suburb located 18 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, within the Northern Beaches local government area (postcode 2099). Geographically, the suburb is defined by its prominent beachfront along the Tasman Sea, a large coastal lagoon (Dee Why Lagoon), and a mix of low-density residential housing and medium-density apartment blocks situated around a central commercial corridor. According to the 2021 Australian census, Dee Why has a population of approximately 25,000 residents, characterised by a culturally diverse demographic with a high proportion of overseas-born residents, particularly from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Brazil.
The local lifestyle is centred around outdoor recreation, coastal amenity, and commerce. The commercial heart of the suburb runs along Pittwater Road and Howard Avenue, featuring major supermarkets, retail outlets, professional services, and a diverse range of dining options. Dee Why Beach and its adjoining parklands, Surf Life Saving Club, and ocean pool are focal points for the community, offering facilities for swimming, surfing, and walking. The suburb is well-serviced by regional bus transit networks connecting it to Manly, the Northern Beaches Hospital, and Sydney's CBD, and includes several primary schools and parks.
Prior to European settlement, the area was traditional land of the Guringai and Garigal Indigenous peoples, who utilised the rich coastal and lagoon ecosystems for resources. The origin of the name "Dee Why" is historically attributed to land surveyor James Meehan, who used the letters "D. Y." as a map marking in 1814, which subsequently became the local place name. Urban development accelerated in the mid-to-late 20th century, transforming the area from a swampy coastal pocket into a densely populated commercial and residential hub of the Northern Beaches.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 135 | 138 |
| Fraud | 86 | 81 |
| Steal from retail store | 71 | 69 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 69 | 59 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 68 | 55 |
| Malicious damage to property | 65 | 80 |
| Other theft | 41 | 37 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 39 | 33 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 36 | 45 |
| Steal from dwelling | 29 | 31 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 25 | 25 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 20 | 58 |
| Trespass | 20 | 17 |
| Offensive conduct | 16 | 13 |
| Sexual assault | 16 | 13 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 15 | 9 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 14 | 20 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 13 | 11 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 23,354 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.