Bellbird crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
323 recorded in this period, compared with 225 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bellbird
Bellbird is a residential locality in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, situated within the Cessnock local government area and bearing the postcode 2325. Located just south-west of the Cessnock central business district, the area is characterized by a mix of suburban residential pockets and surrounding native bushland typical of the Hunter Valley foothills. According to Australian census data, Bellbird maintains a modest population comprising families, professionals, and retirees, functioning primarily as a residential extension of nearby Cessnock.
The locality provides essential local amenities, including a primary school, local parks, and basic retail services, while relying on adjacent Cessnock for comprehensive shopping, healthcare, and secondary education. Recreationally, the area benefits from its proximity to the broader Hunter Valley wine region, offering residents access to numerous vineyards, national parks, and outdoor activities. Transport connections are primarily road-based, linking residents to Cessnock and major regional employment hubs such as Maitland and Newcastle.
Historically, Bellbird is deeply intertwined with the coal mining heritage of the South Maitland coalfields. The locality grew significantly during the 20th century following the establishment of the Bellbird Colliery, which commenced operations in the early 1900s and became a major economic driver for the region. Although the coal industry has long since ceased operations in the immediate area, remnants of its industrial past remain part of the local landscape and cultural identity.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 50 | 22 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 49 | 44 |
| Malicious damage to property | 37 | 20 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 18 | 23 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 16 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 14 | 18 |
| Fraud | 13 | 6 |
| Breach bail conditions | 12 | 10 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 12 | 11 |
| Steal from dwelling | 11 | 10 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 9 | 2 |
| Arson | 8 | 4 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 8 | 1 |
| Sexual assault | 7 | 7 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 4 |
| Other offences against the person | 6 | 1 |
| Other theft | 6 | 4 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,338 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.