Petersham crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
492 recorded in this period, compared with 470 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Petersham
Petersham is an inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, located 6 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district in the Inner West Council local government area (postcode 2049). The suburb is primarily residential, interspersed with commercial zones, and is well-connected by major transport routes, including the Inner West rail line, which provides direct access to the Sydney CBD.
The suburb features a vibrant commercial strip along New Canterbury Road, known for its diverse culinary offerings, independent retailers, and local services. Petersham is particularly recognized for its strong Portuguese community, which has historically influenced the local dining scene and earned the area the unofficial moniker of Sydney's "Little Portugal." Public amenities include local parks, such as Petersham Park—home to the historic Seaman's Hut and a popular community swimming pool—as well as several established educational institutions.
Gazetted in the 19th century, Petersham has a rich architectural heritage, featuring significant examples of Victorian and Federation-era residential housing, alongside notable civic buildings such as the Petersham Town Hall. The area's development was largely driven by the arrival of the railway in the 1850s, which transformed the former rural and agricultural land into a bustling nineteenth-century urban suburb. Today, strict heritage conservation controls help preserve the historic streetscapes and character of the locality.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 52 | 46 |
| Steal from dwelling | 42 | 22 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 38 | 38 |
| Fraud | 30 | 29 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 25 | 31 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 24 | 31 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 23 | 27 |
| Breach bail conditions | 22 | 18 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 22 | 19 |
| Sexual assault | 21 | 17 |
| Other theft | 20 | 20 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 19 | 12 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 13 | 6 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 13 | 9 |
| Liquor offences | 11 | 28 |
| Other offences | 11 | 12 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 11 | 7 |
| Trespass | 11 | 7 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 8,200 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.