New data released today by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has laid bare the growing pressure on New South Wales Police, with rising crime across key categories.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said these figures, combined with reports this week of a sharp decline in police numbers across NSW, confirm our Police Force is stretched thin, and communities are ultimately less safe.
“Fewer officers are having to do more, and that is putting enormous strain on the men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” Mr Roberts said.
The data shows breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders have surged from 15,526 in 2016 to 27,491 in 2025, and tragically 32 people were victims of DV murder in the 12 months to December 2025.
“This is deeply concerning. AVOs are put in place to protect vulnerable people, and rising breaches point to serious risks in the community that require strong policing responses,” Mr Roberts said.
Blackmail and extortion offences have increased ten-fold, drug-related offences are also rising, with amphetamine use up nearly 15 per cent in two years, alongside a sharp increase in retail theft to more than 30,000 incidents in 2025.
Parts of Regional NSW are also experiencing significantly higher crime rates across murder, Domestic Violence assault, and break and enter, all at more than double or triple the state average.
“These are not marginal differences between our cities and Regional NSW – murder rates more than four times higher, domestic violence assaults more than three times higher, and break and enters more than triple the NSW average are shocking statistics,” Mr Roberts said.
“Regional communities deserve the same level of safety and protection as those in metropolitan areas, but right now they are being left behind.”
“These trends all point to one thing; more Police should be on our streets to keep us safe.”
Mr Roberts reiterated that the Minns Labor Government must take responsibility and urgently address both falling police numbers following the release of today’s BOSCAR data.
“The Minns Labor Government will attempt to reassure the community that they are safer,” Mr Roberts said.
“But tell that to the families seeing shootings every week in the news, the small businesses facing increasing theft, and regional communities seeing waves of major crime unlike our cities.”
“The Minns Labor Government must outline their plan to properly resource, staff, and support our police force to meet the challenges our communities are facing.”
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