Blacksmiths crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
162 recorded in this period, compared with 115 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Blacksmiths
Blacksmiths is a coastal suburb located in the City of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, holding the postcode 2281. Situated approximately 27 kilometres south of the Newcastle central business district, the locality is geographically defined by its position on a narrow peninsula between the Tasman Sea to the east and the southern reaches of Lake Macquarie to the west. According to the 2021 Australian census, Blacksmiths recorded a population of 1,514 residents, maintaining a predominantly residential demographic profile.
The suburb is primarily residential, featuring a mix of detached housing, holiday homes, and medium-density properties. Local amenities are centered around the Pacific Highway corridor and nearby Swansea, offering essential retail and services, while recreational opportunities are heavily influenced by its coastal geography. Blacksmiths Beach, which features a surf lifesaving club, and the adjacent Swansea Channel provide popular locations for swimming, fishing, and boating. The area is also connected to regional cycleways and open parklands.
The traditional custodians of the land surrounding Lake Macquarie are the Awabakal people. European settlement in the wider region initially focused on timber-getting and coal mining during the 19th century. The locality derived its name from a blacksmith's shop that was established in the area during the early settlement period to service local industries and travelers navigating the coastal strip between Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from motor vehicle | 23 | 7 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 19 | 10 |
| Malicious damage to property | 17 | 11 |
| Other offences | 15 | 15 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 14 | 9 |
| Other theft | 12 | 3 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 11 | 6 |
| Breach bail conditions | 7 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 7 | 5 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 6 | 6 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 9 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 7 |
| Criminal intent | 2 | 0 |
| Fraud | 2 | 8 |
| Liquor offences | 2 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,881 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.