Fingal Bay crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
112 recorded in this period, compared with 74 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is a coastal suburb located in the Port Stephens local government area of New South Wales, within the 2315 postcode. Situated approximately 60 kilometres north-east of Newcastle, the locality is defined by its prominent coastal geography, featuring a sweeping ocean beach, the sheltered Fingal Bay Beach, and the notable rocky tie-channel of Fingal Spit, which connects the mainland to Fingal Island. According to the 2021 Australian census, the suburb supports a predominantly residential population with a significant demographic representation of older adults and retirees, alongside holiday home ownership that drives seasonal tourism.
Local life in Fingal Bay centres around outdoor recreation, marine activities, and tourism, supported by a modest commercial strip containing local retail and dining amenities. The area is frequented for swimming, surfing, fishing, and bushwalking, particularly within the surrounding Tomaree National Park, which borders the suburb. Educational, broader commercial, and major service infrastructure is accessed in nearby larger centres such as Nelson Bay.
European history in the area dates back to the early 19th century, with the region initially utilised for timber-getting and maritime navigation. The construction of the historic Fingal Bay (Point Stephens) Lighthouse on Fingal Island in 1862 stands as a key heritage marker, built to guide vessels along the treacherous coastline. Over the 20th century, Fingal Bay transitioned from an isolated coastal outpost and camping destination into a permanently settled residential and holiday community.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 12 | 6 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 12 | 3 |
| Other offences | 9 | 9 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 7 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 7 | 6 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 6 | 1 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 6 | 6 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 5 | 7 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 2 |
| Other theft | 5 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 5 | 1 |
| Fraud | 4 | 3 |
| Liquor offences | 4 | 0 |
| Criminal intent | 3 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 3 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 3 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,635 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.