Bellbrook crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
35 recorded in this period, compared with 33 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bellbrook
Bellbrook is a rural locality situated in the Macleay Valley of New South Wales, within the Kempsey Shire local government area (postcode 2440). Located approximately 40 kilometres inland from Kempsey, the area is characterised by rugged topography, fertile river flats along the Macleay River, and surrounding dry sclerophyll forests. As a small, remote community, Bellbrook and its surrounding district support a sparse population engaged primarily in beef cattle farming, agriculture, and related rural industries.
Local life in Bellbrook centres around a tight-knit community, supported by essential amenities that typically include a local general store, a community hall, and the historic Bellbrook Public School. The area serves as a gateway to the upper Macleay wilderness, attracting tourists interested in camping, fishing, and bushwalking. While more extensive commercial, medical, and secondary educational services are not available locally, residents access these facilities in the nearby regional centre of Kempsey.
The locality holds significant historical and heritage value, being the traditional country of the Dunghutti Aboriginal people. European settlement in the mid-19th century transformed the region into a bustling timber-getting and agricultural hub, aided by river transport along the Macleay. Bellbrook is notably associated with the Australian author Xavier Herbert, who lived and worked in the area as a dispenser, drawing inspiration from the landscape and local characters for his literary works.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 6 | 6 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 3 |
| Arson | 3 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 3 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 3 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 2 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 0 |
| Other theft | 2 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 2 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 4 |
| Criminal intent | 1 | 0 |
| Fraud | 1 | 1 |
| Other offences against justice procedures | 1 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 1 |
| Trespass | 1 | 5 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 339 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.