Kelso crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,220 recorded in this period, compared with 1,132 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Kelso
Kelso is a suburban locality situated immediately east of the Macquarie River, functioning as a major residential and commercial extension of Bathurst in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales. Falling within the Bathurst Regional Council local government area and the 2795 postcode, the area is characterized by a mix of established residential housing, modern subdivisions, and commercial precincts. It features a significant population reflecting the broader regional growth of the Bathurst hub.
The locality serves as a key commercial and retail node for the region, anchored by major shopping centers, bulky goods outlets, and light industrial areas. Local life is supported by essential community infrastructure, including public and private schools, recreational parks, sporting facilities, and healthcare services. Its strategic location along the Mitchell Highway provides direct transport connectivity to the Bathurst central business district and points further west, as well as over the Blue Mountains toward Sydney.
Originally established as part of the early European expansion across the Blue Mountains following the founding of Bathurst in 1815, Kelso has evolved from a rural agricultural area into a prominent urban center. Its historical development is tied to the agricultural and pastoral prosperity of the Central Tablelands, gradually transitioning through the 20th and 21st centuries to accommodate suburban growth while retaining proximity to historical landmarks within the greater Bathurst region.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 171 | 187 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 120 | 118 |
| Malicious damage to property | 120 | 122 |
| Breach bail conditions | 99 | 61 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 89 | 75 |
| Steal from retail store | 62 | 50 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 61 | 76 |
| Fraud | 60 | 53 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 51 | 46 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 44 | 34 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 34 | 14 |
| Trespass | 33 | 31 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 32 | 20 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 31 | 28 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 31 | 16 |
| Steal from dwelling | 20 | 18 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 18 | 19 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 16 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 10,039 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.