Lord Howe Island LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
6 recorded in this period, compared with 6 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is an unincorporated area and self-governed territory located in the Tasman Sea, approximately 600 kilometers east of Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Geographically, it is a crescent-shaped volcanic remnant characterized by rugged peaks, including Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, and is surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef. The island maintains a small, permanent population of roughly 400 residents, with strict limits on visitor numbers to preserve its delicate ecosystem.
The island’s local economy is almost exclusively dependent on tourism, supported by a specialized infrastructure that includes a small airport, a medical clinic, and a primary school. Due to its status as a World Heritage site, development is highly regulated to protect the endemic flora and fauna, such as the Lord Howe Island woodhen and the iconic kentia palm. Essential services are managed by the Lord Howe Island Board, which oversees environmental conservation, waste management, and the provision of basic utilities for the community.
Discovered by British explorers in 1788, the island remained largely uninhabited until the early 19th century, when it became a provisioning stop for whaling ships. Permanent settlement began in 1834, and the island subsequently developed a distinct community heritage rooted in subsistence farming and maritime trade. In 1982, the island and its surrounding islets were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of their exceptional natural beauty and significant evolutionary history.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Offences | 2 | 0 |
| Trespass | 2 | 1 |
| Fraud | 1 | 0 |
| Harassment threatening | 1 | 2 |
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.