Which Perth suburb had the most crime in 2025?
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rebecca PeppiattFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Western Australia experienced a notable drop in crime last year, reaching its lowest level since 2022. While some Perth suburbs saw significant reductions, others faced unexpected spikes. The highest crime rates were concentrated in areas like Perth and Northbridge, known for their vibrant nightlife and retail hubs. Cannington, with its shopping center, also remained a hotspot despite a slight decrease from the previous year.
Notably, Forrestdale emerged as an unexpected hotspot, with crime surging by 93% since 2021, driven largely by assault cases. Midland, often cited as a crime-prone area due to its socio-economic challenges, surprisingly saw a 15% decrease last year, with reductions in various offenses including stealing and sexual assaults.
In contrast, suburbs like Rivervale and Queens Park demonstrated significant improvements, with crime dropping by 33% and 50%, respectively. These trends highlight both the ongoing challenges and positive strides in different parts of Perth, underscoring the importance for residents to consider
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/19/2026