Barnsley crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
71 recorded in this period, compared with 56 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Barnsley
Barnsley is a suburban locality situated in the City of Lake Macquarie local government area of New South Wales, within the 2278 postcode district. Located west of Lake Macquarie and southwest of Newcastle, the area features a residential footprint bordered by surrounding bushland and established transport corridors. Demographically, Barnsley reflects the broader Hunter region, accommodating a population that primarily consists of families and commuters working in nearby urban centres.
Local life in Barnsley is characterised by a quiet, residential atmosphere supported by essential community amenities, including local parks and proximity to the broader commercial and educational services of Greater Lake Macquarie. For major retail, healthcare, and employment hubs, residents typically rely on nearby commercial centres such as Edgeworth and Toronto. The locality is connected to the wider region via local arterial roads that link to the Hunter Expressway and the Pacific Motorway.
Historically, Barnsley—like much of the surrounding Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley region—developed significantly through the expansion of the coal mining industry in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The locality evolved from a rural and resource-extraction settlement into a modern residential suburb as regional infrastructure expanded and industrial activities shifted. While few heavy industrial footprints remain within the immediate suburb today, its historical roots in the region's coal-mining heritage are reflected in its settlement patterns and local naming conventions.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 13 | 3 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 9 | 7 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 8 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 4 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 3 |
| Other theft | 5 | 7 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 4 | 1 |
| Breach bail conditions | 3 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 3 | 5 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 7 |
| Criminal intent | 2 | 1 |
| Fraud | 2 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 0 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 1 | 1 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,735 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.