(Based on NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research data and local reports)
Sydney is one of the safest global cities, but crime is not evenly distributed. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research (BOCSAR) March 2025 report, violent offences across NSW rose by 3.2% year‑on‑year, while property offences increased by 2.7%. Within Greater Sydney, certain suburbs consistently record higher crime volumes.
This list highlights the worst suburbs in Sydney for crime in 2025, based on reported incidents per 100,000 residents and local government area (LGA) data.
1. Blacktown
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~6,990 incidents
- Key issues: Property offences (break‑ins, car theft), violent assaults, and domestic violence.
- Trend: Blacktown LGA’s crime rate per 100,000 remains above the Sydney average, particularly for domestic violence‑related assault.
2. Penrith
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~7,310 incidents
- Key issues: Domestic violence, theft, and youth‑related crime.
- Trend: Penrith has one of the highest per‑capita crime rates in Western Sydney, with domestic violence incidents rising by 5% in 2025.
3. Merrylands (Cumberland LGA)
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~5,940 incidents
- Key issues: Break‑and‑enter, retail theft, and drug‑related offences.
- Trend: Property crime remains 20% higher than the Sydney average, though violent crime is closer to the state median.
4. Liverpool
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~5,100 incidents
- Key issues: Assaults, theft, and drug offences.
- Trend: Liverpool’s crime rate is 1.3× higher than the NSW average for major offences.
5. Bankstown (Canterbury‑Bankstown LGA)
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~4,800 incidents (est.)
- Key issues: Gang‑related activity, drug offences, and violent assaults.
- Trend: Over 600 violent crime cases reported in the past year, with drug‑related offences trending upward.
6. Fairfield
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): ~4,900 incidents (est.)
- Key issues: Break‑ins, car theft, and assaults.
- Trend: Fairfield’s property crime rate is 15% higher than the Sydney average, though community policing initiatives are underway.
7. Mount Druitt & Surrounds (St Marys, Whalan, Bidwill)
- Total recorded offences (2024–25): St Marys alone recorded over 5,000 incidents
- Key issues: Drug‑related offences, assaults, and theft.
- Trend: Despite some gentrification, Mount Druitt and its surrounds remain among the highest crime clusters in Sydney.
Key Crime Trends in Sydney (2025)
- Domestic violence‑related assault: Up 5% across NSW
- Retail theft: Up 8.8% in the past two years
- Break & enter: Declined slightly (‑2.1%)
- Motor vehicle theft: Declined (‑3.4%)
FAQs on Crime in Sydney Suburbs
Q1: Is Sydney dangerous overall?
No. Sydney ranks 5th safest city globally (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2025). However, Western and South‑West Sydney suburbs report higher crime rates.
Q2: Which suburb has the highest crime rate in Sydney?
Penrith and Blacktown recorded the highest volumes of offences in 2025.
Q3: Are Western Sydney suburbs unsafe to live in?
Not entirely. While crime rates are higher, many residents live peacefully, supported by strong community networks.
Q4: What crimes are most common?
- Property crime (theft, break‑ins, car theft)
- Domestic violence‑related assault
- Drug‑related offences
Q5: How can residents stay safe?
- Stay alert near transport hubs.
- Secure homes and vehicles.
- Engage with local community safety programs.
