Central Coast Safety Report Reveals Crime Figures Shaping Local Planning

Break-and-enter offences on the Central Coast rose 17.8 per cent and motor vehicle theft rose 34.9 per cent in the two years to December 2023, according to figures that recorded 669 break-ins and 587 vehicle thefts that year.

Property Crime Patterns

These increases occurred while other crime categories remained stable. The figures come from records that also note 29,181 total crimes in the latest reporting period, producing a rate of 84.18 crimes per 1,000 people.

Night-Time Incidents

The Central Coast ranks 56th most dangerous at night among 120 NSW regions. Between October 2023 and September 2024 the area recorded 3,278 night-time crime incidents, of which 30.2 per cent were alcohol-related. Night-time intimidation, stalking and harassment rose 8.6 per cent per year over the past four years. Of 7,182 crime incidents against individuals in that period, 45.6 per cent took place between 6pm and 6am.

Suburb and Council Measures

Tuggerah records the highest violent crime rates among Central Coast suburbs. Central Coast Council has installed 21 CCTV cameras at community facilities in Umina, Woy Woy, San Remo and Terrigal. The council also runs the road safety campaign titled Look Out Before You Step Out. Its Community Safety Plan 2017-2022 and 2023-24 Annual Report guide neighbourhood initiatives and foreshore work aimed at better accessibility and safety.

Violent Crime Context

In 2025 the Central Coast held a crime rank of 45 out of 100 in Australia, with 4,965 violent crimes recorded and a violent crime victimisation rate of one in 70. Council documents continue to list community safety as a priority through existing programs rather than new announcements this week.

Residents can review the latest BOSCAR data releases and council annual reports for further updates on local trends.