Shellharbour LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
4,746 recorded in this period, compared with 4,845 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Shellharbour
The City of Shellharbour is a local government area located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 100 kilometres south of Sydney. Covering an area of roughly 147 square kilometres, the geography transitions from a rugged coastline featuring beaches and headlands to expansive wetlands and inland escarpments. The population is predominantly suburban, characterized by a mix of established residential communities and newer growth areas. Residents are well-served by regional transport links, including proximity to the Princes Highway and rail connections that provide access to Wollongong and Sydney.
Local life in Shellharbour revolves around its coastal assets, including Shellharbour Village and the man-made Shell Cove Marina precinct, which serve as hubs for recreation, tourism, and dining. The area features extensive parklands, nature reserves such as Blackbutt Forest, and major retail centers like Stockland Shellharbour. Educational and community infrastructure includes numerous primary and secondary schools, along with cultural facilities that support the growing residential population.
The region’s heritage is rooted in the traditional custodianship of the Wadi Wadi people of the Dharawal nation. Following European settlement in the early 19th century, the area functioned primarily as an agricultural and pastoral district, with the township of Shellharbour serving as a key coastal port for the transport of cedar and dairy products. Over the 20th century, the economy shifted from rural production to urban and residential development, supported by the expansion of the industrial Illawarra region. Today, the area preserves its history through several heritage-listed buildings and maritime sites that document its development from a colonial port to a modern city.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 766 | 752 |
| Harassment threatening | 511 | 423 |
| Fraud | 366 | 417 |
| Malicious damage to property | 364 | 392 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 330 | 298 |
| Breach AVO | 318 | 267 |
| Steal from retail store | 280 | 313 |
| Sexual Offences | 243 | 229 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 228 | 239 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 199 | 305 |
| Other theft | 165 | 140 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 147 | 196 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 126 | 69 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 120 | 163 |
| Steal from dwelling | 103 | 113 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 98 | 119 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 88 | 88 |
| Trespass | 71 | 77 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 52 | 45 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 46 | 36 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 41 | 54 |
| Arson | 39 | 38 |
| Liquor offences | 25 | 45 |
| Robbery | 7 | 11 |
| Offensive conduct | 6 | 7 |
| Steal from person | 4 | 5 |
| Offensive language | 3 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 76,271 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.