Top cop defends reputation of Bourke, Bre and Walgett

Commander of Central North Police District Superuntendent Gerard Lawson said the outback communities of Walgett, Bre and Bourke are safe communities. Photo TWH

The communities of Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke are safer communities in 2025 due, in part, to the hard work of police and community organisations with youth and youth crime intervention, according to the local Police District Commander.

This statement by Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Gerard Lawson comes on the heels of a report claiming that Walgett is the most dangerous place in NSW after dark.

Don’t go out at night in Walgett warns an alarming report of statistics compiled from government data by Astor Legal.

The data from October 2023 to November 2024, claims NSW recorded 93,500 crimes against people, with more than half of those offences occurring at night and more than 34 per cent of incidents involving alcohol.

According to their data, Walgett holds the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous part of the state at night recording 3027.6 offences per 100,000 residents.

The area had a total of 167 nighttime offences, with 53 per cent of the incidents alcohol related. […]

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