Terrigal crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
522 recorded in this period, compared with 554 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Terrigal
Terrigal is a coastal suburb (postcode 2260) situated within the Central Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, positioned approximately 90 kilometres north of Sydney. Characterised by its prominent headland, "The Skillion," and a sheltered sandy beach, the locality serves as a major tourist and residential hub. As of the 2021 Census, the suburb maintains a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The demographic profile is primarily residential, with a high proportion of families and professionals who commute to Sydney or work within the broader Central Coast region.
The suburb is defined by its vibrant commercial precinct, which centres on Terrigal Esplanade, offering a dense concentration of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and accommodation facilities. Local amenities include the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, established to monitor the beach, and the nearby Terrigal Haven, which provides boating and recreational facilities. The area is served by several local primary schools and is well-connected by road to neighbouring hubs like Erina and Gosford, providing access to broader educational and healthcare services.
Historically, the area was inhabited by the Darkinjung people prior to European arrival. During the early 19th century, the region was utilised primarily for timber harvesting and farming, with the name "Terrigal" believed to be derived from the Aboriginal term "Tarragal," meaning "place of little birds." By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Terrigal began its transition into a popular seaside destination, aided by the development of guest houses and improved transport links. Over the subsequent century, it evolved from a quiet coastal hamlet into a significant urbanised tourist centre while retaining its historical identity linked to the maritime environment.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 70 | 73 |
| Malicious damage to property | 65 | 64 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 63 | 61 |
| Breach bail conditions | 55 | 33 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 31 | 33 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 24 | 17 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 20 | 20 |
| Fraud | 20 | 31 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 17 | 13 |
| Sexual assault | 15 | 16 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 13 | 21 |
| Other theft | 11 | 12 |
| Trespass | 11 | 17 |
| Steal from retail store | 10 | 11 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 9 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8 | 18 |
| Other drug offences | 8 | 4 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 7 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 12,730 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.