Cowra LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,188 recorded in this period, compared with 1,172 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Cowra
Cowra Shire is a local government area located in the Central West region of New South Wales, encompassing approximately 2,810 square kilometres of diverse landscape. Positioned along the Lachlan River, the region is characterized by fertile agricultural plains and rolling hills, supporting a local economy driven primarily by farming, viticulture, and light industry. As of the 2021 Census, the shire serves a population of approximately 12,000 residents, with the majority residing in the primary administrative center of Cowra, alongside several smaller rural villages and communities.
Life in Cowra is defined by a blend of agricultural heritage and a growing focus on regional tourism and service provision. The township offers essential amenities, including comprehensive healthcare facilities, public and private schooling, and a range of retail services. The area is also noted for its cultural investment, featuring the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, which reflects the town's unique historical associations. Residents benefit from a temperate climate and a lifestyle grounded in community-oriented regional living, with well-connected transport links to larger hubs such as Orange and Bathurst.
The history of the region is deeply connected to the development of the inland pastoral industry following European settlement in the early 19th century. Cowra gained national and international historical significance during World War II as the site of the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp. The 1944 Cowra Breakout remains a significant event in the town's identity. Today, this heritage is preserved through various national monuments and historic sites that emphasize themes of reconciliation, international diplomacy, and the commemoration of global conflict.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment threatening | 142 | 127 |
| Malicious damage to property | 127 | 110 |
| Breach AVO | 116 | 84 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 94 | 90 |
| Breach bail conditions | 81 | 111 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 65 | 47 |
| Fraud | 61 | 55 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 54 | 67 |
| Sexual Offences | 54 | 41 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 53 | 35 |
| Trespass | 46 | 49 |
| Steal from dwelling | 41 | 26 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 40 | 53 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 38 | 35 |
| Other theft | 35 | 35 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 32 | 39 |
| Steal from retail store | 31 | 60 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 23 | 36 |
| Arson | 17 | 17 |
| Offensive conduct | 10 | 8 |
| Liquor offences | 9 | 4 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 7 | 18 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 6 | 15 |
| Robbery | 3 | 5 |
| Steal from person | 2 | 2 |
| Offensive language | 1 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 12,724 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.