Heatherbrae crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
254 recorded in this period, compared with 241 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Heatherbrae
Heatherbrae is a semi-rural and industrial locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the Port Stephens local government area and bearing the postcode 2324. Located approximately 20 kilometres north of Newcastle, it is bounded largely by the Pacific Highway, serving as a key gateway to the greater Port Stephens tourism and residential districts. The area supports a modest resident population alongside a substantial commercial and industrial footprint, reflecting its strategic transport location.
The locality is primarily characterised by its mix of light industrial estates, bulky goods retail, and residential pockets. Local amenities cater heavily to passing motorists and the regional workforce, featuring service stations, fast-food outlets, and commercial businesses situated along the highway corridor. Public transport connections are maintained via regional bus services linking Heatherbrae to Newcastle and nearby towns such as Raymond Terrace and Maitland.
Historically, the area developed as part of the traditional lands of the Worimi people before European settlement focused on agriculture and transport routes linking Newcastle to the north. Over the latter half of the 20th century, Heatherbrae transitioned from a predominantly rural outpost into a vital commercial and industrial hub due to its proximity to major infrastructure corridors like the Pacific Highway and the Hunter Expressway.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 31 | 35 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 30 | 29 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 24 | 28 |
| Malicious damage to property | 19 | 15 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 19 | 15 |
| Steal from retail store | 13 | 10 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 11 | 15 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 10 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 10 | 9 |
| Breach bail conditions | 9 | 5 |
| Other offences | 9 | 2 |
| Other theft | 8 | 6 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 7 | 17 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 7 | 7 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 4 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 6 | 4 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 5 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 4 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 654 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.