Ocean Shores crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
200 recorded in this period, compared with 154 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores is a coastal residential locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated within the Byron Shire local government area with the postcode 2483. Positioned north of Brunswick Heads, the area is characterised by its coastal geography, featuring residential housing integrated with local waterways, parks, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Demographically, the locality functions primarily as a suburban and lifestyle-oriented community, attracting families, retirees, and commuters working in surrounding regional hubs.
Local life in Ocean Shores is centered around community-scale amenities, including a local shopping village, parks, and recreational facilities that support outdoor lifestyles. The area is well-connected by road to nearby commercial and educational centres such as Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, and Tweed Heads. While predominantly residential, the locality benefits from its close proximity to pristine beaches, coastal reserves, and the Brunswick River, which together shape the daily routines and recreational pursuits of residents.
Historically, the land around Ocean Shores was traditionally inhabited by the Bundjalung nation, particularly the Arakwal and Brunswick-Mullumbimby peoples, who maintained a deep connection to the coastal and river environments. The modern locality was developed as a planned residential subdivision in the late 1960s and 1970s, transforming what was largely wetland and coastal forest into a contemporary urban area. Over the subsequent decades, Ocean Shores has grown steadily while retaining its distinct identity as a planned coastal community within the Byron Shire.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 28 | 17 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 26 | 14 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 22 | 16 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 15 | 10 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 12 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 10 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 8 | 5 |
| Fraud | 8 | 10 |
| Steal from retail store | 8 | 4 |
| Breach bail conditions | 7 | 7 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 7 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 6 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 6 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 6 | 2 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 5 |
| Liquor offences | 3 | 0 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 13 |
| Other theft | 3 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 5,777 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.