Dubbo crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
7,214 recorded in this period, compared with 7,560 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Dubbo
Dubbo is a major regional city located in the Orana region of central New South Wales, situated along the Macquarie River. Operating within the Dubbo Regional local government area and encompassing the 2830 postcode, the city serves as a vital inland commercial and transport hub. According to the 2021 census, Dubbo has a population of over 40,000 residents, making it the most populous city in the Orana region. The surrounding geography is characterized by flat, semi-arid plains dominated by agriculture, pastoralism, and dry sclerophyll woodlands.
As a primary regional center, Dubbo provides comprehensive civic amenities, including advanced healthcare facilities, higher education options through TAFE and university study centers, and extensive retail infrastructure. The city's economy is diversified, driven by agriculture, mining support services, manufacturing, health, and tourism. Major regional attractions, such as the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, significantly boost the local visitor economy. Transport connectivity is well-established via Dubbo City Regional Airport, major freight and passenger rail links, and the intersection of several key national highways.
European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century following the expeditions of explorer John Oxley along the Macquarie River in 1818. A permanent police post and settlement were established in the 1830s, and the town was officially gazetted in 1849, later achieving city status in 1966. Dubbo’s historical heritage is preserved in several 19th-century buildings, including the historic Dubbo Gaol, which operated as a penal facility for nearly a century and is now a major heritage museum.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 909 | 932 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 834 | 839 |
| Malicious damage to property | 598 | 695 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 593 | 562 |
| Steal from retail store | 560 | 384 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 460 | 438 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 349 | 469 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 290 | 216 |
| Fraud | 257 | 385 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 236 | 205 |
| Trespass | 223 | 243 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 216 | 302 |
| Other theft | 161 | 158 |
| Steal from dwelling | 151 | 131 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 132 | 110 |
| Sexual assault | 129 | 134 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 123 | 142 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 118 | 142 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 43,516 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.