Wentworth LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
978 recorded in this period, compared with 861 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Wentworth
The Wentworth Shire is located in the far southwestern corner of New South Wales, encompassing the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers. Covering a vast semi-arid landscape, the region serves as a gateway between New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The population is relatively sparse and widely dispersed, with the primary administrative center located in the township of Wentworth. The local economy is traditionally rooted in irrigated agriculture, particularly viticulture, citrus farming, and grazing, alongside a growing tourism sector centered on the region’s unique riverine environment.
Life in the Wentworth Shire is defined by its proximity to the Murray-Darling river system, which provides the focal point for both community recreation and economic activity. Residents and visitors utilize the waterways for boating, fishing, and water sports, while the shire also serves as the gateway to the Mungo National Park, a significant site within the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area. Essential amenities, including primary healthcare, education, and regional retail services, are centered in Wentworth, with the town serving as a hub for the surrounding rural localities.
The region possesses a deep history, serving as a traditional meeting place for the Barkindji and Maraura Aboriginal nations for tens of thousands of years. Following European exploration by Charles Sturt in the 1830s, the area—originally known as "The Junction"—became a bustling river port during the 19th-century paddle-steamer era. Today, the shire preserves its heritage through various historic buildings, including the Old Wentworth Gaol and the local courthouse, which reflect its prominence as a vital inland shipping and commercial center during the expansion of the Australian pastoral industry.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment threatening | 109 | 100 |
| Breach bail conditions | 97 | 44 |
| Malicious damage to property | 96 | 88 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 91 | 111 |
| Breach AVO | 91 | 80 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 51 | 38 |
| Trespass | 46 | 40 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 45 | 35 |
| Steal from dwelling | 41 | 26 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 38 | 39 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 35 | 46 |
| Fraud | 35 | 33 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 32 | 29 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 31 | 14 |
| Sexual Offences | 25 | 22 |
| Other theft | 23 | 24 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 21 | 26 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 21 | 31 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 14 | 13 |
| Steal from retail store | 14 | 10 |
| Arson | 7 | 6 |
| Offensive conduct | 6 | 2 |
| Liquor offences | 4 | 2 |
| Steal from person | 3 | 0 |
| Offensive language | 1 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 7,453 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.