Glendale crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
522 recorded in this period, compared with 498 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Glendale
Glendale is a suburban locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area (postcode 2285). Located approximately 15 kilometres west-southwest of Newcastle’s central business district, Glendale functions as a significant commercial and residential node on the northern side of Lake Macquarie. The area is characterised by a mix of established residential pockets, commercial precincts, and natural bushland fringes, serving as a key service hub for surrounding suburbs.
The locality is widely recognised as a major retail and commercial centre for the Lake Macquarie region, anchored by Stockland Glendale, a large regional shopping centre that includes major supermarkets, department stores, and specialty retailers. The adjacent bulky goods and industrial precincts provide substantial employment and commercial services. For education and recreation, the area features local schools, sports facilities, and proximity to the natural amenities of Lake Macquarie and nearby conservation areas. Transport connectivity is facilitated by major arterial roads, including the Pacific Highway, linking Glendale to Newcastle, Sydney, and the broader Hunter Valley.
Historically, Glendale and its surrounding areas developed alongside the Hunter Region's rich coal-mining and rail transport history. Originally rural and heavily timbered land associated with the traditional country of the Awabakal people, the area saw gradual settlement and industrial growth driven by the expansion of the region's railway network and coal extraction industries. Over the late 20th century, Glendale transitioned from a semi-rural outpost into a master-planned commercial and residential growth centre, reflecting the broader suburbanisation of the Lake Macquarie local government area.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from retail store | 94 | 120 |
| Fraud | 58 | 34 |
| Malicious damage to property | 53 | 44 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 40 | 56 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 35 | 37 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 26 | 22 |
| Steal from dwelling | 24 | 7 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 23 | 15 |
| Other theft | 19 | 14 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 17 | 20 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 16 | 15 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 15 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 14 | 14 |
| Breach bail conditions | 12 | 21 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 11 | 6 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 8 | 7 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 8 | 10 |
| Arson | 6 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,260 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.