Shoalhaven Heads crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
110 recorded in this period, compared with 90 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Shoalhaven Heads
Shoalhaven Heads is a coastal village located in the City of Shoalhaven local government area on the South Coast of New South Wales, approximately 160 kilometers south of Sydney. Positioned on a narrow peninsula, the locality is defined by its geography, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Shoalhaven River to the north, and Seven Mile Beach to the south. The area maintains a relatively small, permanent residential population, though it experiences significant seasonal fluctuations due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
The locality offers a range of amenities centered on leisure and outdoor recreation, including public boat ramps, a golf course, and caravan parks. Local life is heavily oriented toward maritime activities such as fishing, surfing, and swimming, facilitated by its unique position at the river mouth. While residential and commercial development remains modest, the village functions as a quiet retreat within the broader Shoalhaven region.
Historically, the area was traditionally inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the landscape initially utilized for timber harvesting and agriculture. Over the 20th century, Shoalhaven Heads transitioned from a remote rural outpost into a established residential and recreational hub, though it retains much of its original coastal character. Local heritage is preserved through proximity to the Seven Mile Beach National Park, which protects the significant dune systems and environmental history of the coastline.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 15 | 13 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 12 | 3 |
| Fraud | 11 | 7 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 10 | 11 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 10 | 9 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 7 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 2 |
| Other theft | 6 | 6 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 2 |
| Steal from dwelling | 5 | 2 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 4 | 3 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 4 | 4 |
| Liquor offences | 2 | 3 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 2 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 0 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,248 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.