Waverley crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
300 recorded in this period, compared with 413 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Waverley
Waverley is a suburb in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district. It sits on high ground, with its topography characterized by elevated ridges that provide expansive views of the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sydney skyline to the west. Administratively part of the Waverley Council local government area, the suburb is primarily residential, featuring a mix of Victorian-era architecture, Federation homes, and contemporary dwellings. The population is diverse, consisting of a demographic profile that includes a significant proportion of professionals and families, supported by excellent connectivity to the nearby major coastal hubs of Bondi and Bronte.
Local life in Waverley is defined by its integration into the wider Eastern Suburbs lifestyle, balancing quiet residential character with proximity to coastal amenities. The suburb is home to several well-regarded primary schools, local parks, and the historic Waverley Cemetery, which is renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian monuments and its dramatic clifftop position. While the suburb itself features smaller clusters of local shops and cafes, residents rely on the neighbouring hubs of Bondi Junction and Charing Cross for major retail, commercial, and transport services.
The history of the area dates back to the early 19th century, when the district was primarily used for farming and agriculture. It was named after the novel *Waverley* by Sir Walter Scott, following the naming of the estate of early settler Barnett Levey. The suburb underwent rapid suburbanization in the late 1800s following the introduction of steam tram services, which facilitated growth for Sydney’s expanding workforce. Today, much of the suburb's heritage is preserved through its intact streetscapes and numerous locally listed sites, which document the evolution of residential life in Sydney from the colonial period through the 20th century.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 111 | 168 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 25 | 17 |
| Malicious damage to property | 21 | 25 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 17 | 26 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 12 | 17 |
| Possession and/or use of ecstasy | 9 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 9 | 4 |
| Steal from dwelling | 9 | 9 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 8 | 10 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 5 |
| Fraud | 6 | 14 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 4 |
| Possession and/or use of other drugs | 6 | 7 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 6 |
| Other theft | 5 | 9 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 5 |
| Other offences | 4 | 3 |
| Steal from retail store | 4 | 7 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4,216 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.