Hornsby crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,660 recorded in this period, compared with 2,599 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Hornsby
Hornsby is a major suburban centre and locality situated on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, located 25 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district. Falling primarily within the local government area of Hornsby Shire (postcode 2077), the area is characterised by a mix of high-density residential apartments near its commercial core and sprawling detached housing surrounded by bushland. The topography is elevated and heavily influenced by the proximity of the surrounding national parks, contributing to a diverse demographic profile that includes families, professionals, and an established multicultural community.
As a prominent commercial hub for the region, Hornsby features extensive retail, dining, and public infrastructure, anchored by the large Westfield Hornsby shopping centre and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. The locality is a major transportation junction on the Sydney Trains network, offering frequent services via the North Shore and Northern lines. It also provides access to numerous educational institutions, parks, and recreational facilities, balancing urban convenience with immediate access to natural bushland reserves.
Originally inhabited by the Darug people, the area was explored by Europeans in the late 18th century and named after Convict-turned-constable John Hornsby. Settlement accelerated following the opening of the Main Northern railway line in the late 19th century, which transformed the district from a timber-getting and agricultural settlement into a thriving commuter suburb. Several historic buildings and sites remain preserved throughout the locality, reflecting its evolution from a rural outpost into a major regional centre.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Transport regulatory offences | 1,221 | 1,215 |
| Steal from retail store | 212 | 164 |
| Breach bail conditions | 166 | 176 |
| Malicious damage to property | 112 | 95 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 94 | 82 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 83 | 100 |
| Fraud | 70 | 79 |
| Other theft | 69 | 62 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 63 | 73 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 53 | 43 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 45 | 36 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 39 | 33 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 34 | 38 |
| Trespass | 33 | 35 |
| Other offences | 28 | 40 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 28 | 13 |
| Other drug offences | 27 | 12 |
| Steal from dwelling | 27 | 24 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 22,462 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.