There is no doubt that crime not only affects the lives of perpetrators and victims, but it also has an effect on the quality of life of all residents. People who are planning to relocate consider the crime rate of a place before moving. Doing this helps them ensure the place is safe for them to live in, and they will not fall victim to any crime.

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) provides an annual report on the crime rates in the different local government areas (LGAs) in Australia, including NSW. The data in this report is used by different agencies and law firms such as Riviere Law in analysing and evaluating safety levels in the LGAs.

In their latest report, records show that there has been a significant shift in the crime rate in all LGAs in NSW. The shift in these rates varies according to offence type as well as the LGA. Here, we will focus on two areas in NSW— Central Coast and Lake Macquarie.

Central Coast Crime Statistics 2023

2023 overview

Changes in the crime rate in Central Coast can be highly attributed to the residents’ living conditions post-lockdown and the new normal. Below is a table that summarises the offence types with the highest shift in the number of cases.

Offence Type	Oct 2020 - Sep 2021	Oct 2021 - Sep 2022	2-year Trend
Intimidation, stalking and harassment	2115	2550	+ 20.6%
Breaking and entering dwelling	661	544	- 17.7%
Stealing from dwelling	527	471	- 10.6%
Other theft	629	524	- 19.3%
Arson	164	115	- 29.9%
Malicious damage to property	2576	2251	- 12.6%
Prohibited and regulated weapons offences	586	510	- 13.0%
Offensive conduct	126	108	- 14.3%
Offensive language	96	72	- 25.0%
Breaching Apprehended Violence Order	1049	1114	+ 6.2%
Transport regulatory offences	3844	2772	- 27.9%

Table 1. Crime cases with the most change in two years

Our comments

The decrease in many crimes in Central Coast has increased the overall quality of life in the LGA. A decrease in offences such as offensive conduct as well as offensive language can indicate that fewer people have become victims of racism and any other type of discrimination. This further implies that people have felt safer in expressing their cultures, traditions, and ways of life than before.

However, it is alarming that intimidation, stalking, and harassment offences have increased significantly in only two years. Most victims of these offences are women and this implies that women do not feel safe living in the area as they are more prone to these offences compared to other LGAs.

Authorities must implement ways to have every resident in the LGA feel safe, no matter their gender, race, age, or status in life.

Lake Macquarie Crime Statistics 2023

2023 Overview

Similar to the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie has also shown shifts in crime trends according to the NSW BOSCAR report. The change in crime trends heavily indicates that there is a change in Lake Macquarie residents’ quality of life.

Offence Type	Oct 2020 - Sep 2021	Oct 2021 - Sep 2022	2-year Trend
Non-domestic violence related assault	736	663	- 9.9%
Breaking and entering non-dwelling	292	200	- 31.5%
Receiving or handling stolen goods	155	104	- 32.9%
Stealing from retail store	573	474	- 17.3%
Stealing from dwelling	403	350	- 13.2%
Arson	183	87	- 52.5%
Malicious damage to property	1428	1302	- 8.8%
Possession and/or use of amphetamines	183	130	- 29.0%
Prohibited and regulated weapons offences	324	232	- 28.4%
Liquor offences	56	32	- 42.9%
Breaching bail conditions	1066	993	- 6.8%
Other offences against justice procedures	136	400	+ 194.1%

Table 2. Change in crime trends in Lake Macquarie, NSW

Our comments

Some of the offences with the greatest change in the number of cases include substance-related offences such as possession and/or use of amphetamines and liquor offences. This downward shift most likely means that fewer people are resorting to harmful substances to relieve stress or use for recreation. With fewer people imbibing liquor and amphetamines, other crimes that are committed under the influence of these substances such as assault will also decrease.

However, some offences increased over the two-year period, especially offences against justice procedures. This implies that the number of people disregarding law procedures has increased. Whether these offenders come from perpetrators or even the police force, authorities must implement stricter ways to keep parties involved aligned with the law and its procedures.

Our society relies on the law to keep it organised, safe, and maintained. We all feel safer when crime rates are lower and we can live confidently. This is why everyone has a role in keeping areas crime-free and safe, residents and authorities alike. After all, we cannot excuse ourselves from being ignorant of the law.