Latest crime statistics show significant crime reductions in Regional NSW

Release date: Thursday, 18 December 2025

Link to report summary:

New data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows that crime has declined across much of Regional NSW over the past two years, with improvements recorded in the majority of major offence categories.

In the two years to September 2025 NSW recorded significant declines in seven of the 13 major crime categories. These statewide improvements are being driven by widespread and substantial falls across Regional NSW. Eight major offence categories have fallen in Regional NSW over the past two years, with none showing a significant increase.

The offences that have declined in Regional NSW include: non-domestic assault, robbery, break and enter, motor vehicle theft, malicious damage to property and stealing offences.

Youth crime falling in Regional NSW

“One of the most encouraging aspects of the recent decline in regional crime is the reduction in youth offending,” said, BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald. “Regional NSW recorded a 16% decline in youth charges over the past two years. This represents a welcome shift after several years of concern around youth crime, particularly in regional areas.”

Falls are especially welcome in the regions

“Regional NSW typically experiences higher rates of crime, making these recent declines particularly important for community safety. The latest figures suggest that some communities that have faced greater crime pressures are now seeing meaningful improvements.”

The areas with the largest declines were:

  • Far West & Orana - significant falls in seven crime categories, with no increases

  • Central West - significant falls in four crime categories, with no increases

  • Mid North Coast - significant falls in four crime categories, with no increases

Greater Sydney crime trends

Over the 24-months to September 2025 Greater Sydney saw a significant decline in three of 13 major crime categories and a significant increase in one (steal from retail store - up 12.1%).  The three offences in decline were: robbery, steal from motor vehicle and malicious damage to property. 

Two-year crime trends to September 2025


Offence type 

NSW

Greater Sydney

Regional NSW

Murder

Stable

Stable

Stable

Domestic violence related assault

Stable

Stable

Stable

Non-domestic violence related assault

Down 4.0%

Stable

Down 3.5%

Sexual assault

Stable

Stable

Stable

Sexual touching, other sex offences

Stable

Stable

Stable

Robbery

Down 8.9%

Down 8.1%

Down 10.9%

Break and enter dwelling

Down 6.6%

Stable

Down 12.2%

Break and enter non-dwelling

Down 4.3%

Stable

Down 11.1%

Motor vehicle theft

Stable

Stable

Down 3.1%

Steal from motor vehicle

Down 7.0%

Down 4.0%

Down 10.4%

Steal from retail store

Up 7.7%

Up 12.1%

Stable

Other stealing offences

Down 2.7%

Stable

Down 6.8%

Malicious damage to property

Down 6.5%

Down 5.2%

Down 7.8%

For comment please contact: 

Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research. 

Phone: +61 423 139 687 
Email: jackie.fitzgerald@dcj.nsw.gov.au

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