Lucas Heights crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
20 recorded in this period, compared with 8 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lucas Heights
Lucas Heights is a semi-rural and residential suburb located in southern Sydney, within the Sutherland Shire local government area (Postcode 2234). Situated approximately 30 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district, the locality is bounded to the north and west by the Woronora River and Heathcote National Park. Demographically, Lucas Heights has a relatively low population density compared to neighboring urban suburbs, characterized by a mix of residential housing in the east and extensive government and scientific reserves covering the remainder of the area.
The suburb is primarily known as the site of Australia’s chief nuclear research facility, operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which houses the Open-pool Australian light-water reactor (OPAL). Beyond the research precinct, local amenities are modest, featuring a local rural fire service, a waste management facility, and basic commercial services. The surrounding bushland environment provides access to recreational bushwalking and outdoor activities associated with the adjacent national parks and water catchments.
Historically, the area was traditionally inhabited by the Dharawal people before European exploration and subsequent settlement. The modern identity of Lucas Heights was largely shaped in the late 1950s with the selection of the site for the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (now ANSTO), chosen for its remote location and stable geographical foundation. The suburb was officially named in 1965, honouring Sir Edward Lucas, a prominent local figure and politician, transitioning the area from remote bushland into a significant scientific and technological hub.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Trespass | 7 | 0 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 2 | 1 |
| Other offences | 2 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 2 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
| Fraud | 1 | 0 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4 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.