Freshwater crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
163 recorded in this period, compared with 196 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Freshwater
Freshwater is a coastal suburb located in the Northern Beaches region of New South Wales, situated 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district within the postcode 2096. Governed locally by the Northern Beaches Council, the suburb is bounded by Manly to the south, Harbord and Curl Curl to the north, and the Tasman Sea to the east. Demographically, Freshwater is primarily residential, accommodating a population characterized by families and professionals who are drawn to its coastal environment and village atmosphere.
The commercial and social hub of the suburb is centred around Lawrence Street, featuring a collection of local retail shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to daily needs. Freshwater Beach, patrolled year-round, is a central focal point for local life, offering facilities for swimming, surfing, and picnicking. The locality is also serviced by several parks, sporting reserves, and public transport links primarily consisting of bus services connecting residents to Manly, the broader Northern Beaches, and Sydney's CBD.
Historically known as Harbord—a name officially reverted to Freshwater in 2008 to reflect its heritage—the suburb holds a significant place in Australian surf history. The suburb is the site where modern Australian surfboard riding was introduced by Hawaiian Olympian Duke Kahanamoku in 1914. The Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1908, is one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world, reflecting the area's long-standing association with coastal safety and beach culture.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 33 | 43 |
| Malicious damage to property | 19 | 30 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 12 | 12 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 9 | 12 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 8 | 7 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 13 |
| Other theft | 6 | 13 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 8 |
| Steal from retail store | 6 | 5 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 5 | 7 |
| Liquor offences | 5 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 4 | 2 |
| Other drug offences | 4 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 4 | 0 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 3 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 6 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 9,186 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.