The Central Coast is a peri-urban area in New South Wales, Australia. It lies on the Tasmanian sea coast to Sydney’s North and Newcastle’s south. According to statistics, the Central Coast Council’s local government area had a population of about 333,627 as of June 2018. Many people like the Central Coast because of its beautiful beaches, abundant adventure sports, serene campsites, laid back vibe, and proximity to Sydney. However, this region has its fair share of criminal activity that you should be aware of to remain safe. Here’s how to stay safe on the Central Coast this summer.

Central Coast Crime Statistics 2021

The Central Coast's crime statistics are a mixed bag, as data for some crimes remained unchanged while others rose. For example, there were 5 murder cases in 2021, and this figure had not changed in two and five years. Also, there was only one attempted murder case within this period, with low conspiracy to commit murder and manslaughter cases. All robbery cases were also low during this period, but it is prudent to still exercise sufficient caution to avoid falling victim. On the other hand, crimes such as intimidation, stalking, harassment, fraud, stealing from motor vehicles, and malicious property damage were notably high. Indeed, Riviere Law and other law firms serving the Central Coast had several cases related to these offences within the period. Therefore, these are the crimes to be most of while navigating the Central Coast this summer.

How Does The Central Cost Compare With The Rest Of New South Wales?

The New South Wales (NSW) Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) recently released its recorded crime statistics. These statistics reveal that many crimes in the broader NSW region are at all-time lows, much like in the Central Coast. For example, murder in the Central Coast is as rare as murder in the rest of the larger NSW region. Similarly, robbery cases in the Central Coast and NSW area are both low. However, intimidation, stalking, and harassment cases increased in the Central Coast and New South Wales.

Lake Macquarie Crime Statistics 2021

Lake Macquarie's crime statistics do not differ significantly from that of the Central Coast. Crimes like murder, attempted murder, abduction and kidnappings, and all types of robbery were notably low in this region in 2021. However, offences like fraud, breaking and entering into non-dwellings, and domestic violence-related assault was quite high.

How Does Lake Macquarie Compare With The Rest Of New South Wales?

Much like the broader New South Wales Region, Lake Macqarie recorded low levels of crimes like murder and robberies. Malicious damage to properties and non-domestic violence-related assault in Lake Macquarie also reduced within the period, much like in the broader NSW region. However, breaking and entering non-dwellings increased in both the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie.

Conclusion

Generally, crime levels in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and the broader NSW area reduced in 2021. However, you should still remain cautious as you enjoy your summer, as there is no telling how soon it will take for crime rates to reach pre-pandemic levels.