Otford crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
18 recorded in this period, compared with 11 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Otford
Otford is a small, coastal village located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated within the City of Wollongong local government area and bearing the postcode 2508. Positioned approximately 50 kilometres south of Sydney's central business district, the locality is nestled on the edge of the Illawarra escarpment, where densely forested hills meet the Tasman Sea. According to the 2021 Australian census, Otford has a small, tight-knit residential population that supports a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle characterised by steep, verdant terrain and a humid subtropical climate.
The local area functions primarily as a residential community and a popular stopover for visitors exploring the Royal National Park, which borders the village to the north. Otford is well-connected to the broader region via the Illawarra railway line, with Otford railway station providing commuter access on the South Coast line. Local amenities are modest, reflecting its status as a small settlement, though it features basic recreational spaces and serves as a northern gateway to the Grand Pacific Drive.
Historically, the area was traditionally inhabited by the Dharawal people before European settlement in the early 19th century. Originally known as Kelly's Plains, the locality was renamed Otford in the 1880s following the opening of the railway line, which spurred early industries such as timber-getting, dairy farming, and orcharding. Today, Otford retains a distinct heritage character, underscored by historic rail infrastructure and its preservation as a gateway between the metropolitan expanse of Sydney and the coastal communities of the Illawarra.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Arson | 2 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 2 | 1 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 2 | 0 |
| Trespass | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
| Fraud | 1 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 396 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.