When it comes to the state’s most dangerous places to be at night, the Central Coast lands somewhere in the middle.
New research by Astor Legal analysed NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data to reveal that the Central Coast ranks as the 56th most dangerous area at night of the 120 regions analysed in NSW.
The Coast recorded a total of 7,182 incidents of crime against individuals between October 2023 and September 2024 and almost half (45.6%) of these incidents occurred at night, between 6pm and 6am.
In the analysed year, the Central Coast recorded 3,278 night-time crime incidents and 30.2% of these were related to alcohol.
Night-time incidents of intimidation, stalking and harassment have increased by 8.6% per year in the past four years in the region, while other crime category rates have remained stable.
Despite Lake Macquarie LGA’s close proximity to the Central Coast, the region sits 18 places below the Central Coast in 76th place with 1,619 night-time incidents.
The top three safest LGAs in NSW are Wagga Wagga, the Upper Hunter Shire and Willoughby, which each have a significantly lower rate of night-time crime than the Central Coast.
Police certainly have a challenging role trying to manage crime.And as we move forward with a rapidly growing population,there presence will be more imperative than ever.As more foreign cultures visit and relocate to Australia,the beauty of the Central Coast will be a real attraction.Coupled with employment and ongoing financial hardships for many locals, the scope for criminal activity,in reality, will only increase.No doubt the Central Coast has so much natural wonder that would hopefully divert a criminal mind.Another big issue is not to let our suburbs become tribal as has been the case in Sydney where certain postcodes have abhorrent crime rates.
What about all the youths getting around with knives and machetes breaking into homes and stealing cars?
Please note! The local police have made some progress recently. See our On The Beat section for details – https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/on-the-beat/
When crime and anarchy becomes the night time norm there’s only one person who can bring back the peace. shine my light and I’ll be there.