Wollongong crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
5,338 recorded in this period, compared with 5,514 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Wollongong
Wollongong, located approximately 80 kilometers south of Sydney, is a coastal city situated on the narrow coastal plain between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Tasman Sea. As the administrative center of the City of Wollongong local government area, it serves as the regional hub for the Illawarra district. The region is characterized by a diverse demographic profile, blending a long-standing industrial workforce with a growing population of students and professionals. The postcode 2500 encompasses the central business district and immediate surrounds, which function as a primary focal point for the city’s residential and commercial activities.
The city offers extensive amenities, including the University of Wollongong, which attracts a significant international and domestic student population, and Wollongong Hospital, a major tertiary referral center. Residents and visitors have access to a variety of coastal leisure facilities, including North Wollongong Beach and various parklands. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation before European settlement began in the early 19th century. Following the discovery of coal, the region transitioned into a major industrial center, eventually becoming synonymous with the Australian steel industry through the establishment of the Port Kembla Steelworks. Today, while maintaining its industrial roots, the city has diversified its economy toward education, healthcare, and services.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 926 | 1,130 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 908 | 895 |
| Steal from retail store | 519 | 431 |
| Malicious damage to property | 268 | 254 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 245 | 240 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 229 | 183 |
| Other theft | 202 | 212 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 188 | 172 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 155 | 154 |
| Fraud | 142 | 144 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 142 | 136 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 128 | 105 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 102 | 104 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 98 | 117 |
| Steal from dwelling | 87 | 141 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 82 | 91 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 82 | 105 |
| Other offences | 77 | 79 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 20,446 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.