The Central Coast of New South Wales is a popular holiday destination and has grown in population over recent years. However, this growth came along with an increase in crime. Crime statistics show that some types of offences occur more often than others across the Central Coast.
Let’s explore the most prevalent crimes on the Central Coast in 2023 and highlight notable trends or changes from previous years. We’ll compare these figures across New South Wales, providing insight into how crime on the Central Coast compares with other parts of Australia’s most populous state.
Central Coast Crime Statistics 2023
In 2023, the most prevalent crimes on the Central Coast were theft (including shoplifting), malicious damage to property and drug offences. These offences accounted for more than two-thirds (68%) of all reported criminal incidents in the area.
When compared with crime rates across New South Wales, theft and malicious property damage are less common on the Central Coast than elsewhere in NSW. However, drug offences are more frequent on this stretch of coastline.
There were changes within individual categories like shoplifting which became less common between 2021 and 2023, but fraud cases rose sharply during this period.
2023 Overview
The crime statistics from the Central Coast of New South Wales show that there have been some notable changes in criminal activity over recent years.
Theft and malicious damage to property remains the most prevalent crimes across this region. However, drug offences are becoming increasingly common; between 2021 and 2023, reports of these offences rose by 10%.
Commentary on Trends
The comparison between the crime statistics of the Central Coast and those of wider New South Wales paints a complex picture. While theft and malicious property damage are less common on the Central Coast than in other parts of NSW, drug offences remain more prevalent.
This could be due to several factors, including proximity to Sydney, which has higher rates of illicit drug use, or even differences in policing practices across regions.
Lake Macquarie Crime Statistics 2023
In 2023, the crime rate in Lake Macquarie was lower than the average across New South Wales. However, this region had some concerning trends in certain types of criminal activity.
When looking at trends over time, it appears that drug-related incidents have been increasing steadily since 2021; between 2021 and 2023, there was a rise in these crimes reported throughout Lake Macquarie.
It is a possible indicator that local drug use is becoming increasingly widespread or even due to different policing strategies within this region compared to other areas across NSW.
2023 Overview
When comparing the crime statistics for the Central Coast with those for wider New South Wales, theft and malicious property damage are less frequent.
It is also interesting to note how individual categories within certain types of crimes have changed over time. For example, shoplifting has decreased while fraud cases have risen sharply over two years.
Commentary on Trends
The most prevalent offences on the Central Coast are theft and malicious property damage. However, drug-related incidents have become increasingly common over recent years, with reports of these types of crimes rising.
The crimes with concerning trends this year include:
- Domestic violence-related assault
- Receiving or handling stolen goods
- Fraud
- Arson
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order
- Breach bail conditions
- Trafficking or dealing in cannabis
- Possession and/or use of drugs like cocaine
- Intimidation, stalking and harassment
- Sexual assault
Crime on the Central Coast of New South Wales is a serious problem that law enforcement agencies across the region must address. By doing so, authorities will ensure citizens from all corners can enjoy safe communities on the Central Coast. And if not, experts from Riviere Law are ready to fight on your behalf to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe on the Central Coast.
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