Surry Hills crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
4,360 recorded in this period, compared with 3,780 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Surry Hills
Surry Hills is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, located immediately southeast of the Sydney central business district within the City of Sydney local government area. The suburb is characterized by its hilly topography and a dense grid of Victorian-era terrace housing, interspersed with modern apartment developments. Demographically, Surry Hills is home to a diverse population, attracting a mix of young professionals, students, and long-term residents. It is frequently recognized for its high population density and its status as a significant cultural and residential hub within the Sydney metropolitan area.
The suburb is a prominent center for lifestyle, hospitality, and commerce, featuring an extensive array of cafes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and art galleries, particularly concentrated around Crown and Bourke Streets. It is well-served by public transport, including the Sydney Light Rail and proximity to Central Station. Historically, the area transitioned from a mid-19th-century working-class district—noted for its industrial and residential development—to a more affluent area through gentrification beginning in the late 20th century. Today, it retains a rich architectural heritage, evidenced by its high concentration of preserved Victorian terraces, converted warehouses, and historic public buildings that contribute to its distinctive urban character.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 704 | 697 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 251 | 249 |
| Other theft | 240 | 218 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 204 | 160 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 191 | 159 |
| Malicious damage to property | 189 | 199 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 175 | 93 |
| Steal from dwelling | 170 | 170 |
| Fraud | 153 | 140 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 149 | 104 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 139 | 90 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 107 | 71 |
| Dealing, trafficking in cocaine | 104 | 103 |
| Liquor offences | 100 | 82 |
| Possession and/or use of cocaine | 100 | 72 |
| Trespass | 98 | 75 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 96 | 104 |
| Possession and/or use of other drugs | 94 | 75 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 15,828 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.