Thirroul crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
435 recorded in this period, compared with 328 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Thirroul
Thirroul is a coastal suburb located in the northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Tasman Sea. Part of the City of Wollongong local government area (postcode 2515), it is characterized by its dramatic topography and proximity to the coastline. Demographically, the suburb functions as a residential community with a significant population of commuters who travel to Sydney or Wollongong, as well as a long-standing creative and arts-focused community.
The suburb serves as a local hub for the northern Illawarra, featuring a retail district concentrated along Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Amenities include primary schooling, various community facilities, and Thirroul Beach, which is patrolled and highly frequented by residents and tourists. The area is served by the South Coast railway line, providing direct transit links to the Sydney metropolitan network and central Wollongong.
Historically, Thirroul began as a semi-rural area characterized by small-scale farming and coal mining, gaining prominence in the late 19th century as the rail connection to Sydney opened. The locality is perhaps best known for its literary heritage, specifically the brief residency of English author D.H. Lawrence in 1922; his experiences in the area served as the primary inspiration for his novel *Kangaroo*. Today, the suburb maintains several historic buildings and structures that reflect its transition from a mining settlement into a contemporary residential coastal hub.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Transport regulatory offences | 145 | 96 |
| Malicious damage to property | 37 | 23 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 21 | 8 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 20 | 15 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 19 | 25 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 17 | 9 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 16 | 10 |
| Other theft | 16 | 25 |
| Fraud | 14 | 11 |
| Steal from dwelling | 13 | 14 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 12 | 4 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 10 | 7 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 10 | 13 |
| Steal from retail store | 10 | 9 |
| Breach bail conditions | 9 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 8 | 3 |
| Trespass | 8 | 7 |
| Other offences | 7 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 6,348 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.