Lakelands crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
27 recorded in this period, compared with 23 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lakelands
Lakelands is a residential suburb located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area and bearing the postcode 2282. Situated approximately 27 kilometres southwest of Newcastle and about 120 kilometres north of Sydney, the locality is positioned near the Pacific Highway and the Sydney-Newcastle railway line. Geographically, it is characterised by low-lying terrain typical of the region's coastal plains, nestled between Lake Macquarie to the east and state conservation areas to the west. Demographically, Lakelands is a growing community that primarily attracts families and commuters seeking suburban housing within the Greater Newcastle metropolitan area.
Local life in Lakelands is centered around quiet residential living, supported by proximity to the larger neighbouring commercial hubs of Valentine, Belmont, and Mount Hutton for major retail, educational, and healthcare services. Public transport connectivity is provided via local bus networks and nearby rail stations, offering access to Newcastle and Sydney. The suburb's residents benefit from close access to the natural recreational amenities of Lake Macquarie, which facilitates boating, fishing, and watersports, as well as surrounding bushland and coastal reserves.
Historically, the lands surrounding Lakelands are part of the traditional country of the Awabakal people, who have deep spiritual and cultural connections to the lake and its environs. European history in the broader Lake Macquarie district was initially driven by timber-getting, coal mining, and agriculture in the 19th century. Modern Lakelands developed much later as a planned residential subdivision, transforming from bushland and semi-rural acreage into a contemporary suburban housing estate to accommodate the region's expanding population.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Break and enter dwelling | 7 | 2 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 1 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 3 | 5 |
| Malicious damage to property | 2 | 2 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 2 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 1 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,445 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.