Old Bar crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
204 recorded in this period, compared with 251 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Old Bar
Old Bar is a coastal town located in the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, within the 2430 postcode. Situated approximately 16 kilometres east of Taree, the locality is bounded by the Tasman Sea to the east and the Manning River to the north, featuring extensive surf beaches and coastal environments. According to the 2021 Australian census, Old Bar supports a growing residential population, functioning both as a standalone coastal community and as a dormitory suburb for the wider Taree and greater Manning Valley region.
The town features a commercial hub along its main thoroughfare, Old Bar Road, which provides essential retail services, supermarkets, and medical facilities to residents. Local amenities include primary schools, sporting fields, and access to nearby natural attractions such as Wallabi Point and the Manning Entrance State Park. The area is well-known for its recreational opportunities, including surfing, fishing, and community events such as the annual Old Bar Beach Festival, which draws visitors from across the region.
Historically, the broader Manning Valley region was originally inhabited by the Biripi Aboriginal people, who maintained a connection to the coastal and riverine resources of the area. European settlement began in the 19th century, initially driven by timber-getting, agriculture, and maritime trade utilizing the mouth of the Manning River. The locality itself derived its name from an early pastoral property and has progressively evolved from a quiet rural and holiday settlement into a permanent residential coastal township.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 37 | 41 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 24 | 43 |
| Malicious damage to property | 20 | 29 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 15 | 21 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 11 | 10 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 10 | 5 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 10 | 6 |
| Fraud | 9 | 11 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 8 | 1 |
| Breach bail conditions | 7 | 17 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 7 |
| Steal from dwelling | 7 | 7 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 6 | 7 |
| Other theft | 4 | 5 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 3 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 3 |
| Trespass | 3 | 5 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 5,126 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.