Lake Heights crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
133 recorded in this period, compared with 158 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lake Heights
Lake Heights is a residential suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, within the City of Wollongong local government area and the 2502 postcode. Situated approximately 8 kilometres southwest of Wollongong's central business district, the suburb occupies an elevated position on a ridge overlooking Illawarra Lake to the south and west. Demographically, it is a settled community characterized by a mix of families and older residents, benefiting from proximity to both the coastline and the regional commercial hubs of the Illawarra.
Local life in Lake Heights is primarily residential, supported by nearby commercial precincts in neighboring suburbs such as Berkeley and Warrawong for extensive retail, dining, and professional services. The suburb features local parks and community facilities, while its elevated topography provides panoramic views of Illawarra Lake and the surrounding Escarpment. Residents have ready access to recreational activities on the lake, including fishing, boating, and foreshore walking tracks, as well as nearby surf beaches.
Historically, the broader area developed alongside the industrial expansion of the Illawarra region, particularly the growth of the steel industry in Port Kembla during the 20th century. Lake Heights was progressively subdivided and developed from the mid-20th century onward to accommodate the housing needs of the growing industrial workforce. The suburb retains its post-war suburban layout, reflecting the broader post-war demographic and urban expansion of the Wollongong coastal strip.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 26 | 16 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 14 | 22 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 12 | 17 |
| Malicious damage to property | 12 | 9 |
| Fraud | 7 | 10 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 6 | 13 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 5 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 5 | 11 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 5 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | 6 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 4 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 4 | 8 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 10 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 3 |
| Possession and/or use of ecstasy | 2 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of narcotics | 2 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4,105 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.