Bellingen LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
716 recorded in this period, compared with 744 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bellingen
The Bellingen Shire is a local government area located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, spanning approximately 1,600 square kilometres. Its geography is diverse, encompassing the fertile Bellinger and Kalang River valleys, rolling hinterland hills, and the rugged terrain of the Great Dividing Range, including parts of the Dorrigo Plateau. The shire features significant areas of protected rainforest, including World Heritage-listed sites within Dorrigo National Park. As of the 2021 Census, the region maintains a population of approximately 13,000 residents, characterised by a mix of rural families and a demographic drawn to the area’s scenic landscape and lifestyle culture.
Life in the Bellingen Shire is centred around the township of Bellingen, along with the smaller communities of Dorrigo and Urunga. The economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture, particularly dairy and timber, though it has increasingly shifted toward tourism, boutique retail, and the arts. Residents benefit from community facilities, including local libraries, markets, and regional health services, supported by a focus on environmental conservation. The area is well-regarded for its historic streetscapes and proximity to coastal beaches and mountain wilderness.
The region’s heritage is defined by the Gumbaynggirr people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, driven by the timber industry and the development of agriculture. Bellingen’s historic town centre retains numerous 19th-century timber buildings, many of which are protected for their architectural significance. The shire has evolved from a resource-extraction economy to a regional hub that prioritises the preservation of its natural environment and colonial-era heritage.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 102 | 103 |
| Harassment threatening | 94 | 75 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 64 | 54 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 64 | 57 |
| Breach AVO | 38 | 29 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 37 | 50 |
| Fraud | 35 | 44 |
| Sexual Offences | 33 | 40 |
| Other theft | 30 | 39 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 27 | 33 |
| Breach bail conditions | 23 | 40 |
| Steal from dwelling | 21 | 22 |
| Arson | 20 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 20 | 38 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 19 | 19 |
| Trespass | 19 | 19 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 18 | 30 |
| Steal from retail store | 12 | 18 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 11 | 4 |
| Liquor offences | 10 | 7 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 8 | 9 |
| Robbery | 5 | 3 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 4 | 3 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from person | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 13,253 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.