NSW trends in the age-specific rates of offending, 1995 – 2018

Crime falls due to reduction in youth offending

Link to report summary: NSW trends in the age-specific rates of offending, 1995 – 2018

Release Date: 10:30 Wednesday 20 November 2019

Over the past 10 years the incidence of break and enter, motor vehicle theft, robbery and serious non-domestic assault have fallen considerably in NSW.  A new report released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows that the fall in crime is being driven by falling participation in crime by young people. 

Between 2009 and 2018 there was a 55% decrease in burglary proceedings against 15 to 17 year olds, a 44% reduction for car theft, a 40% reduction for robbery and a 48% reduction for serious non-domestic assault.  ­

These trends are apparent in both Greater Sydney and NSW regional areas.     

Commenting on the findings, Jackie Fitzgerald, Acting Executive Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) said that despite the large reductions in offending, young people are still more likely to be involved in stealing and non-domestic assault than any other age group.  “It has always been the case that a proportion of young people go through a period of risk-taking on their way to adulthood. What we are seeing is that young people today are far less likely to become involved in crime than their predecessors 10 years ago.”

Further enquiries: Jackie Fitzgerald 02 8346 1100
Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au