Catherine Hill Bay crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
63 recorded in this period, compared with 29 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Catherine Hill Bay
Catherine Hill Bay is a coastal locality situated in the City of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, bearing the postcode 2281. Located approximately 35 kilometres south of Newcastle and 125 kilometres north of Sydney, the area is characterized by its rugged coastline, native bushland, and beaches. Demographically, it is a small residential and growing community, transitioning from a remote historic settlement into a modern coastal village supported by contemporary housing developments.
Local life in Catherine Hill Bay revolves around its natural environment, with surfing, fishing, and coastal walking being prominent recreational activities. Amenities within the locality are modest, catering primarily to daily residential needs, while more extensive retail, educational, and medical services are accessed in nearby major suburban hubs within the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast regions.
The locality is historically significant for its coal mining heritage, having operated as a company-owned mining town from the late 19th century until the closure of the local colliery in the 2000s. Catherine Hill Bay takes its name from the brig *Catherine Hill*, which was wrecked off the coast in 1867. The town's distinctive historic character is preserved through its heritage-listed timber miners' cottages and associated industrial relics, leading to the entire village being listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 11 | 5 |
| Trespass | 10 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 9 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 4 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 3 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 2 |
| Fraud | 4 | 3 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 4 | 3 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 4 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Criminal intent | 1 | 0 |
| Pornography offences | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 943 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.