New BOSCAR report reveals increase in sexual assault, domestic violence and extortion

Newly released statistics show incidents of sexual assault, extortion and domestic violence have skyrocketed across NSW. Find out the worst performing areas for crime in the state.

Sexual assaults, domestic violence and extortion are on the rise while property offences have taken a dive, according to a new report.

Fresh statistics released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) have revealed a significant climb in the number of sexual assaults, domestic violence, blackmail and extortion.

In the two years leading up to September 2022, incidents of blackmail and extortion, which includes threats, have more than tripled from 130 to 463 reports.

The alarming 256.2 per cent rise contributes to an overall 40.7 per cent hike of those crimes over the past five years.

In the same five years to September 2022, the increase in sexual assault and domestic violence, which are both considered to be violent and major offences, was 25.9 per cent and 13.1 per cent respectively.

Domestic violence and sexual assaults have risen significantly.

The report showed the increase occurred in both metropolitan Sydney areas and regional communities across the state.

The sharpest rise in domestic violence was reported in Murray, which experienced a 48 per cent climb and includes suburbs in the Riverina region near the Victorian border.

Sutherland followed with a 45 per cent increase, and Baulkham Hills at 40 per cent.

Sutherland reported an 80 per cent jump in reported sexual assaults, which was the highest hike next to Hunter Valley, up 50 per cent, Southern Highlands, up 46 per cent, and Inner West Sydney, up 42 per cent.

Drug importation offences have also gone up 23.9 per cent in the last five years to September 2022.

By contrast, property offences including break and entering and motor vehicle theft, have fallen 28 per cent, lower than pre-pandemic levels.

“In the year to September 2022, police recorded a staggering 33 per cent fewer residential break-ins than five years ago” Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, said.

“We know that many crimes fell sharply during the Covid lockdowns. Fortunately for the community, many property crimes are yet to recover.”