New Brighton crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
30 recorded in this period, compared with 22 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About New Brighton
New Brighton is a coastal locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated within the Byron Shire local government area and holding the postcode 2483. Geographically, it is bounded by the South Pacific Ocean to the east and the Brunswick River to the south, characterized by low-lying coastal terrain, sandy soils, and remnant coastal heath. Demographically, the area is a quiet residential and holiday community with a relatively small permanent population, alongside a significant proportion of holiday homes and a demographic profile that skews toward retirees and families seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Local life in New Brighton is centered around its natural environment, with residents and visitors utilizing the beachfront for recreation, fishing, and surfing. The locality features a local store, community hall, and children's playgrounds, with commercial and educational services primarily accessed in neighboring Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores. The area is also well known for the New Brighton Farmers Market, held weekly, which draws visitors from across the wider Byron Shire to purchase regional produce and artisanal goods.
Historically, the land around New Brighton and the Brunswick River was traditionally inhabited by the Bundjalung nation, particularly the Arakwal people, who maintained a connection to the coastal resources. European settlement in the wider Brunswick area initially focused on timber getting and agriculture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The urban development of New Brighton occurred much later, transforming the coastal pocket from a seasonal camping and fishing retreat into a structured residential subdivision while retaining its distinct village-like separation from larger neighboring towns.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Liquor offences | 11 | 0 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 4 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 2 | 1 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 2 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 1 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 2 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 0 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 1 | 3 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 4 |
| Other theft | 1 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 368 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.