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Central Coast Community Safety Data Shows Property Crime Increases
Latest available figures point to rises in break-ins and vehicle thefts amid council safety initiatives.
How we reported this
Break and enter offences on the Central Coast rose 17.8 per cent and motor vehicle theft increased 34.9 per cent in the two years to December 2023, with 669 break-ins and 587 vehicle thefts recorded that year.
Why the figures matter now
The data forms part of ongoing monitoring under the Central Coast Council's Community Safety Plan 2017-2022 and its 2023-24 Annual Report, which focus on neighbourhood initiatives, road safety and foreshore work to improve accessibility. These records remain the most recent detailed statistics available for the region and continue to guide local responses.
Local measures in place
Council has installed 21 CCTV cameras at community facilities in Umina, Woy Woy, San Remo and Terrigal. A road safety campaign titled Look Out Before You Step Out is also running to reduce pedestrian injuries. Tuggerah is noted as the suburb with the highest violent crime rate in the area.
Key statistics from the records
The Central Coast recorded 29,181 total crimes in the latest reporting period at a rate of 84.18 per 1,000 people. There were 7,182 crime incidents against individuals between October 2023 and September 2024, of which 45.6 per cent occurred at night. Night-time incidents totalled 3,278, with 30.2 per cent alcohol-related. Night-time intimidation, stalking and harassment rose 8.6 per cent annually over the past four years. In 2025 the region recorded 4,638 theft cases and 3,582 assault cases, with a violent crime victimisation risk listed at one in 70.
Council documents continue to emphasise neighbourhood programs and safety campaigns as the main local responses. Residents can review the latest Community Safety Plan updates and crime statistics through Central Coast Council channels for any further practical guidance.