Lithgow crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
913 recorded in this period, compared with 912 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lithgow
Lithgow is a town and locality situated in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, approximately 140 kilometres west of Sydney, and serves as the administrative centre for the City of Lithgow local government area (Postcode 2790). Positioned on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, the area is characterised by rugged topography, deep valleys, and sandstone escarpments. The broader LGA supports a significant residential population, distributed across the urban centre of Lithgow and several surrounding rural and former mining villages.
The local economy and lifestyle are shaped by Lithgow's industrial history, natural surroundings, and regional service role. Essential amenities include health services, educational facilities, and commercial retail concentrated around the main thoroughfare, Main Street. The locality is a gateway to several national parks, notably the Gardens of Stone and Wollemi National Parks, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation such as bushwalking, rock climbing, and sightseeing. Transport connections are maintained via the Main Western railway line, linking the town to Sydney and Bathurst, and the Great Western Highway.
Established in the 19th century, Lithgow developed as one of Australia's earliest industrial hubs, driven by the extraction of rich local deposits of coal, iron ore, and shale oil. The opening of the Main Western railway in 1869 catalyzed this industrial growth, leading to the establishment of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory and major steelworks. Today, the heritage of this era is preserved in local landmarks, museums, and historical sites, reflecting the locality's significant contribution to Australia's manufacturing and mining development.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 100 | 95 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 99 | 78 |
| Malicious damage to property | 88 | 81 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 71 | 57 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 56 | 48 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 54 | 50 |
| Fraud | 51 | 59 |
| Other theft | 35 | 36 |
| Steal from retail store | 34 | 59 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 30 | 13 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 27 | 23 |
| Other offences | 26 | 17 |
| Steal from dwelling | 25 | 35 |
| Trespass | 25 | 26 |
| Dealing, trafficking in cocaine | 24 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 21 | 23 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 20 | 26 |
| Sexual assault | 16 | 19 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4,956 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.