Shelly Beach crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
59 recorded in this period, compared with 60 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is a coastal suburb located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, within the Central Coast Council local government area and the 2261 postcode. Situated on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake, the suburb is defined by its namesake stretch of sandy coastline. Demographically, the area is primarily residential, characterized by a mix of permanent inhabitants and seasonal tourists drawn to its proximity to both the ocean and the regional aquatic environments.
The locality functions as a leisure-focused residential hub, offering amenities centered around outdoor recreation. Shelly Beach is well-regarded for its surf beach, which is patrolled during summer months, and the surrounding Wyrrabalong National Park provides significant bushland trails and ecological preservation areas. The community is supported by local surf life saving infrastructure, regional parkland facilities, and a modest selection of neighborhood cafes and businesses that cater to residents and visitors alike.
Historically, the area was once part of the broader development of the Tuggerah Lakes region, which transitioned from early land grants and scattered agricultural outposts to a popular seaside retreat in the mid-20th century. While it lacks the dense colonial urban heritage of older Australian townships, Shelly Beach’s development is rooted in the expansion of post-war coastal tourism and residential zoning that transformed the Central Coast into a significant commuter and lifestyle district.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 13 | 10 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 11 | 8 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 7 | 3 |
| Other theft | 5 | 3 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 3 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 1 |
| Breach bail conditions | 2 | 2 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 2 | 0 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 6 |
| Trespass | 2 | 4 |
| Assault Police | 1 | 0 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 3 |
| Other offences against the person | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 2 |
| Steal from retail store | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,313 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.