Fords Bridge crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
16 recorded in this period, compared with 2 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Fords Bridge
Fords Bridge is a remote locality in north-western New South Wales, situated within the Bourke Shire local government area (postcode 2840). Located approximately 80 kilometres north-west of the town of Bourke, the area sits within the traditional lands of the Aboriginal people. Geography is defined by an arid to semi-arid landscape typical of the Australian outback, centered near the Warrego River. The population is extremely sparse, consisting primarily of residents engaged in surrounding pastoral industries, particularly sheep and beef cattle grazing.
Local infrastructure and amenities in Fords Bridge are minimal, reflecting its remote outback setting. The locality's most prominent landmark is the historic Fords Bridge Hotel, which serves as a vital social hub for the surrounding grazier community and passing outback travelers. Basic services, advanced medical care, and retail infrastructure are accessed further south in Bourke. Road access relies on unsealed and semi-improved routes that can be severely impacted by seasonal flooding in the river systems.
The history of Fords Bridge is tied to the European exploration and pastoral expansion of the mid-to-late 19th century. The locality was established as a crossing point along the stock routes and pastoral runs of the Warrego River region. A settlement gradually formed around the river crossing to support the burgeoning wool industry and the transport of goods across the outback. Today, Fords Bridge endures as a quiet historic outpost, representing the resilient history of inland settlement and transport in New South Wales.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 5 | 0 |
| Trespass | 3 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 2 | 1 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 2 | 0 |
| Other offences | 2 | 1 |
| Other drug offences | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 30 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.