Gladstone crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
28 recorded in this period, compared with 39 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Gladstone
Gladstone is a historic riverside village located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, within the Kempsey Shire local government area (postcode 2440). Situated on the banks of the Macleay River, the locality is characterised by its flat, fertile surrounding floodplains used primarily for agriculture. The population is small and predominantly comprises families and retirees seeking a quiet rural lifestyle, supported by a close-knit regional community.
The village serves as a localized hub for arts, crafts, and boutique retail, featuring restored heritage buildings that house cafes, galleries, and specialty shops. Essential services, secondary schooling, and broader commercial infrastructure are accessed nearby in the larger town of Kempsey. Local life is centered around community events, river activities, and the appreciation of the area's preserved natural and built environment.
Gazetted in the 19th century, Gladstone grew as an important inland port and agricultural shipping hub along the Macleay River before road transport superseded river trade. The village retains a high degree of architectural integrity from the Victorian and Federation eras, with numerous nineteenth-century timber buildings, pubs, and wharves still standing. This well-preserved history has made Gladstone a recognized heritage destination within the region.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 7 | 1 |
| Liquor offences | 4 | 10 |
| Malicious damage to property | 3 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 1 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 2 | 3 |
| Other theft | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 1 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 2 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Fraud | 1 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 1 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 437 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.