Skip to content

Is there a lot of crime in Sydney?

Hacker in a mask working on laptop

Is there a lot of crime in Sydney?

Hacker in a mask working on laptop

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, you might be wondering whether it’s a safe city to visit. The answer to this question largely depends on whether you believe the statistics or the facts. According to official crime statistics, Sydney is a relatively safe city, with crime rates that are lower than many other major cities around the world. However, if you talk to locals or read the news, you might get a different impression.

Crime statistics in Sydney

Man reading the news

New South Wales (NSW), the state in which Sydney is located, has a population of around 8 million people, with nearly 5 million residing in Sydney. According to official crime statistics, the number of recorded crimes in NSW has been steadily decreasing over the past few years. In the 2019-2020 financial year, there were 387,086 recorded incidents of crime in NSW, which represents a 5.4% decrease from the previous year.

In Sydney specifically, there were 182,958 recorded incidents of crime in the same financial year, which represents a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. The most common types of crime in Sydney are theft, assault, and malicious damage to property.

See Related: Which Sydney suburbs offer the best balance in terms of reasonable rent price, low crime, being pleasant and within 30 minutes commute to the centre?

Perception of crime in Sydney

While the official crime statistics paint a relatively positive picture of crime in Sydney, many locals and visitors have a different perception of the city. There have been several high-profile incidents of violent crime in Sydney in recent years, including a series of gang-related shootings in western Sydney and a spate of violent assaults in the Kings Cross area.

In addition to these incidents, there is a perception among some locals that crime is on the rise in Sydney, particularly in certain areas of the city. This perception is often fueled by sensationalist media coverage of crime in the city.

Staying safe in Sydney

Woman wary of man in the dark

Despite the perception of crime in Sydney, the city is generally a safe place to visit. Like any major city, there are certain areas that are more prone to crime than others, but if you take basic precautions, you should be able to enjoy your trip without incident.

Some tips for staying safe in Sydney include:

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, particularly late at night.
  • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs, and avoid doing so at

Related Resources: