Charlestown crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
1,207 recorded in this period, compared with 1,171 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Charlestown
Charlestown is a major residential and commercial suburb located in the City of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, carrying the postcode 2290. Situated approximately 10 kilometres south-south-west of the Newcastle central business district, the locality functions as a key regional hub within the Hunter Region. The suburb is characterised by a mix of elevated residential areas and a bustling commercial core, benefiting from its strategic positioning near major regional transit corridors such as the Pacific Highway.
The suburb is best known as a primary retail and commercial center for the Hunter region, anchored by Charlestown Square, one of the largest shopping complexes outside of Sydney. Local life is heavily centered around this retail hub, which provides extensive dining, entertainment, and employment opportunities for residents of both Charlestown and surrounding suburbs. In addition to commercial amenities, the area features local schools, parks, and community facilities, supported by frequent public transport connections to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
European settlement in the area dates back to the mid-19th century, with the locality's development initially driven by the timber and coal mining industries that characterized the broader Hunter Region. Originally known as Belt Road and later renamed in honor of James Charlestown, an early local alderman and mining figure, the suburb transitioned from a resource-extraction settlement into a thriving residential and administrative center. While much of the modern landscape reflects contemporary suburban development, remnants of its historical roots remain embedded in the regional geography and local heritage.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from retail store | 277 | 327 |
| Fraud | 113 | 97 |
| Malicious damage to property | 104 | 93 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 75 | 80 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 70 | 62 |
| Other theft | 65 | 55 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 52 | 49 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 46 | 80 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 41 | 32 |
| Breach bail conditions | 34 | 26 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 28 | 27 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 27 | 12 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 25 | 26 |
| Sexual assault | 25 | 26 |
| Dealing, trafficking in cocaine | 24 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 22 | 18 |
| Trespass | 18 | 20 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 16 | 10 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 13,601 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.