Beresfield crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
577 recorded in this period, compared with 453 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Beresfield
Beresfield is a suburban locality situated in the northern part of the City of Newcastle local government area in New South Wales, within the 2322 postcode. Located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of the Newcastle central business district, the area is positioned near the Hunter River and functions primarily as a residential and light industrial hub. Demographically, it shares characteristics with the broader lower Hunter region, accommodating a mix of families and working-class residents within a suburban landscape.
The locality provides a range of local amenities to support its community, including a commercial strip along Lawson Street featuring local retail shops, services, and the Beresfield bowling club. Educational and recreational needs are met by local public schools, parks, and sports facilities. Transport connectivity is a key feature of the area, as Beresfield is serviced by the Main Northern railway line, offering commuter rail services to Newcastle, Maitland, and Sydney, and is situated near major freight and road corridors like the Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway.
Originally home to the Wonnarua people, the European history of the area dates back to early colonial land grants in the 19th century, when the district was largely agricultural and developed alongside the expansion of the Hunter Valley's coal mining and rail industries. The locality was named in honour of Lord Beresford, reflecting the British influence on regional nomenclature during the colonial era. Over the 20th century, Beresfield transitioned from a rural outpost into an established residential and industrial suburb as part of Newcastle's outward growth.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Transport regulatory offences | 124 | 86 |
| Fraud | 57 | 58 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 46 | 32 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 36 | 27 |
| Malicious damage to property | 34 | 23 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 30 | 42 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 27 | 23 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 26 | 13 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 24 | 7 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 21 | 26 |
| Other theft | 21 | 13 |
| Steal from retail store | 13 | 10 |
| Breach bail conditions | 12 | 11 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 11 | 3 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 9 | 3 |
| Liquor offences | 8 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 8 | 4 |
| Steal from dwelling | 8 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,267 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.