Inner West LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
10,908 recorded in this period, compared with 10,663 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Inner West
The Inner West Council is a local government area located in the inner-western suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales. Established in 2016 through the amalgamation of the former Ashfield, Leichhardt, and Marrickville councils, the region spans approximately 35 square kilometers. Its geography is characterized by its proximity to the Sydney Central Business District and its extensive frontage along the Parramatta River and Iron Cove. The area is home to a diverse, densely populated community known for its multicultural heritage, with significant Greek, Italian, and Vietnamese populations historically shaping the region's socio-cultural identity.
The local lifestyle is defined by a vibrant arts and café culture, centered in neighborhoods such as Newtown, Marrickville, and Balmain. The area features numerous green spaces, including regional parks along the Cooks River, and relies on an extensive network of public transport, including heavy rail, light rail, and bus services. The Inner West is recognized for its unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary urban renewal, hosting a wide array of markets, live music venues, and community-focused businesses.
Historically, the area was the traditional land of the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation. Following European settlement, the region developed rapidly during the 19th and early 20th centuries as a hub for maritime, industrial, and manufacturing activity. Many areas within the council retain a rich architectural legacy, featuring significant collections of Victorian, Federation, and interwar residential buildings. This historical character is protected through various conservation areas and heritage listings that maintain the distinct aesthetic and developmental history of the region’s diverse suburbs.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 1,458 | 1,354 |
| Malicious damage to property | 999 | 976 |
| Fraud | 926 | 1,106 |
| Harassment threatening | 791 | 730 |
| Steal from retail store | 740 | 526 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 640 | 672 |
| Steal from dwelling | 546 | 485 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 533 | 623 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 527 | 527 |
| Other theft | 469 | 472 |
| Sexual Offences | 434 | 374 |
| Breach AVO | 387 | 350 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 365 | 283 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 364 | 302 |
| Liquor offences | 314 | 258 |
| Trespass | 302 | 274 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 218 | 366 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 200 | 205 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 191 | 192 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 158 | 195 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 109 | 139 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 91 | 98 |
| Offensive conduct | 46 | 46 |
| Steal from person | 32 | 31 |
| Robbery | 31 | 26 |
| Arson | 27 | 39 |
| Offensive language | 10 | 14 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 182,818 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.