Central Coast LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
26,805 recorded in this period, compared with 27,091 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Central Coast
The Central Coast Council local government area is located on the coast of New South Wales, situated between the Sydney metropolitan area to the south and the Newcastle region to the north. Spanning approximately 1,681 square kilometres, its geography is defined by a diverse landscape of coastal beaches, expansive national parks, and the large estuarine system of Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes. Demographically, it is a populous local government area in Australia, serving as a significant residential hub for commuters to Sydney while maintaining a distinct regional identity characterized by a mix of suburban coastal towns and semi-rural hinterlands.
The region offers a robust array of amenities, featuring major shopping precincts, comprehensive healthcare facilities, and diverse educational institutions. Its local economy is supported by tourism, retail, health services, and manufacturing, complemented by extensive recreational opportunities such as surfing, bushwalking, and boating. The area is well-connected by the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Main North railway line, which facilitates transit for both local residents and regional visitors.
The history of the Central Coast is rooted in the traditional custodianship of the Darkinjung, Guringai, and Awabakal peoples. European settlement began in the early 19th century, primarily driven by the timber industry and small-scale agriculture. The region’s development accelerated following the opening of the railway in the late 1880s, which transformed the area from isolated outposts into a popular retreat. In 2016, the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire councils were amalgamated to form the present Central Coast Council.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 3,483 | 2,908 |
| Harassment threatening | 2,896 | 2,767 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 2,476 | 3,696 |
| Malicious damage to property | 2,345 | 2,354 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 1,932 | 1,983 |
| Breach AVO | 1,590 | 1,458 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 1,522 | 1,635 |
| Fraud | 1,492 | 1,555 |
| Steal from retail store | 1,350 | 1,325 |
| Sexual Offences | 1,137 | 1,241 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1,068 | 1,192 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 811 | 622 |
| Other theft | 737 | 610 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 575 | 589 |
| Steal from dwelling | 538 | 499 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 527 | 537 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 494 | 405 |
| Trespass | 460 | 432 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 348 | 320 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 282 | 254 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 234 | 190 |
| Arson | 191 | 188 |
| Offensive conduct | 82 | 71 |
| Liquor offences | 70 | 86 |
| Robbery | 66 | 88 |
| Steal from person | 60 | 46 |
| Offensive language | 39 | 40 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 346,596 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.
Related areas
- Gosford
- Wyong
- Woy Woy
- Toukley
- The Entrance
- Umina Beach
- Tuggerah
- Bateau Bay
- Erina
- Gorokan
- Wyoming
- Terrigal
- San Remo
- West Gosford
- Long Jetty
- Hamlyn Terrace
- Charmhaven
- Killarney Vale
- Lake Haven
- Watanobbi
- Ourimbah
- Budgewoi
- Narara
- Ettalong Beach
- Blue Haven
- Lisarow
- Berkeley Vale
- Kincumber
- Kariong
- Kanwal
- Lake Munmorah
- North Gosford
- Tumbi Umbi
- East Gosford
- Wadalba
- Woongarrah
- Wamberal
- Green Point (Central Coast)
- Springfield (Central Coast)
- Noraville
- Buff Point
- Gwandalan
- Niagara Park
- Point Clare
- Summerland Point
- Avoca Beach
- Halekulani
- Mardi
- Mannering Park
- Somersby
- Canton Beach
- Wyongah
- Jilliby
- The Entrance North
- Copacabana
- Warnervale
- Forresters Beach
- Blackwall
- Chittaway Bay
- Norah Head
- Doyalson
- Point Frederick
- Davistown
- Saratoga
- Tascott
- Koolewong
- Tuggerawong
- Shelly Beach
- North Avoca
- Mangrove Mountain
- Blue Bay
- Booker Bay
- Glenning Valley
- Empire Bay
- Glenworth Valley
- Dooralong
- Fountaindale
- Pearl Beach
- Peats Ridge
- Tacoma
- Chain Valley Bay
- Bensville
- Doyalson North
- Macmasters Beach
- Mooney Mooney
- Kulnura
- Toowoon Bay
- Kangy Angy
- St Huberts Island
- Patonga
- Chittaway Point
- Spencer
- Wyong Creek
- Killcare
- Magenta
- Crangan Bay
- Calga
- Matcham
- Yattalunga
- Kincumber South
- Mount White
- Wagstaffe
- Alison (Central Coast)
- Daleys Point
- Erina Heights
- Palm Grove
- Killcare Heights
- Palmdale
- Phegans Bay
- Woy Woy Bay
- Budgewoi Peninsula
- Horsfield Bay
- Pretty Beach (Central Coast)
- Yarramalong
- Holgate
- Tacoma South
- Wallarah
- Bushells Ridge
- Central Mangrove
- Gunderman
- Bar Point
- Kiar
- Rocky Point
- Box Head
- Colongra
- Frazer Park
- Halloran
- Hardys Bay
- Wendoree Park
- Lower Mangrove
- Cedar Brush Creek
- Kingfisher Shores
- Little Wobby
- Mooney Mooney Creek
- Cheero Point
- Greengrove
- Picketts Valley
- Durren Durren
- Freemans
- Mount Elliot
- Wybung
- Bouddi
- Lemon Tree
- Mangrove Creek
- Marlow
- Ravensdale
- Wondabyne
- Cogra Bay
- Little Jilliby
- Point Wolstoncroft
- Upper Mangrove