The Gunnedah local government area has experienced a 36.3 per cent drop in ‘Break and Enter Dwelling’ offences in the past two years to July 2025. The figures were published in the latest quarterly update by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
Offences listed under ‘Other Theft’, however, were up 39.9 per cent over the same two-year period in the Gunnedah LGA and ‘Breach of bail’ was up almost 50 per cent.
According to BOSCAR, ‘Other Theft’ includes the police incident categories of steal from marine vessels, other stealing occurring somewhere other than a residential dwelling such as at temporary accommodation, business or commercial premises, outdoor or public places.
The latest data shows Gunnedah LGA recorded 79 offences for ‘Break and Enter Dwelling’ in 12 months to July 2025, down from 124 the year prior, 116 in 2022-23 and 115 in 2021-22.
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, highlighted the general fall in crime offences throughout country areas of the state.
She said property-related offences across regional NSW have dropped by 8.9 per cent. Far West and Orana led the way with a 22 per cent fall, while the Riverina saw a 16.6 per cent decline.
Across regional NSW, crimes like break and enter, robbery, stealing from cars and malicious damage all decreased by at least 7 per cent.
Far West, Orana, and Central West recorded significant drops in break and enters, motor vehicle thefts and stealing from cars, with some reductions exceeding 30 per cent.
“While these numbers suggest progress, we know they do not tell the whole story,” Ms Catley said.
“People in many regional communities continue to feel unsafe in their homes.
“We understand that these statistics offer little comfort to those who have been victims of crime and those who feel vulnerable and scared.
“We hear those concerns clearly and know there is more work to do.”
The Minister highlighted the comments of the Moree mayor who recently said the regional youth crime rates are closely related to the issue of children who “just obviously don’t feel safe at home”.
“That speaks volumes to the human element of these statistics. And police confirm most of these offences are committed by groups of young people out at all hours of the night,” Ms Catley said.
“We are not just talking about numbers. We are talking about young people, often vulnerable, often unsupported and the serious impact their actions have on the community.”
