Lawrence crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
56 recorded in this period, compared with 56 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lawrence
Lawrence is a historic rural locality situated on the northern bank of the Clarence River in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, within the Clarence Valley Council local government area (postcode 2460). Located approximately 650 kilometres north of Sydney and 30 kilometres downstream from Grafton, the area features a flat, flood-prone landscape characterized by sugarcane farming, cattle grazing, and riverine environments. Demographically, Lawrence functions as a quiet residential and agricultural community with a small, dispersed population typical of regional river settlements in the Clarence Valley.
Local life in Lawrence centres around community-based amenities and its proximity to the Clarence River. The locality is connected to the southern side of the river via the Lawrence vehicular cable ferry, linking it to Ulmarra and the Pacific Highway corridor. Essential community infrastructure includes a local primary school, a general store, a sports ground, and a historic public hall. Recreational activities in the area heavily revolve around boating, fishing, and water sports on the Clarence River.
Established in the mid-19th century, Lawrence has a rich heritage rooted in the early maritime and timber history of the region. Originally surveyed in the 1850s, the town served as a vital port and transshipment hub for timber, agricultural produce, and passengers travelling up and down the Clarence River before the expansion of the rail and road networks. Several 19th-century buildings and historical sites remain within the locality, reflecting its past era as a bustling river port.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 11 | 4 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 8 | 1 |
| Steal from dwelling | 6 | 5 |
| Arson | 5 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 3 | 3 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 2 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 2 | 0 |
| Other theft | 2 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 6 |
| Steal from retail store | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 2 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Offensive conduct | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 1 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 1 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 2 |
| Stock theft | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,159 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.