E-bike theft surge drives major rise in NSW stealing offences
E-bike thefts have surged across New South Wales, rising by more than 27 per cent in two years and now making up a significant share of all stealing offences in the state.
New data shows thefts of motorised bicycles have climbed from 1,644 incidents two years ago to 2,080 in the year to March 2026, an increase of 436 cases.
Authorities say e-bike thefts now account for almost 40 per cent of all reported stealing offences in NSW, contributing to a 3.1 per cent rise in non-violent theft overall.
The increase has been concentrated mainly in Greater Sydney, while regional NSW figures have remained relatively steady. The Central Coast recorded the sharpest local rise, up 18 per cent.
Police and analysts say the trend reflects the growing popularity of e-bikes, which are now more common on roads and streets and therefore more attractive to thieves.
Copper theft has also risen by 16.3 per cent over the same period.
Retail theft continues to increase as well, up 9.1 per cent. Clothing and footwear theft rose by 17 per cent, while alcohol-related theft increased by 13 per cent.
Officials say these shifts highlight changing patterns in property crime, with certain high-value and easily resold goods becoming more targeted.
Source : News.com
Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.
Comments