Lake Macquarie LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
14,545 recorded in this period, compared with 14,355 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lake Macquarie
The City of Lake Macquarie is a local government area located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, situated south of Newcastle. Covering an area of roughly 750 square kilometres, the geography is defined by the expansive saltwater lake that gives the region its name, surrounded by a diverse landscape of coastal beaches, mountain ranges, and state forests. The population is significant, characterized by a mix of established suburban residential areas, expanding urban corridors, and semi-rural hinterlands, making it a major regional local government area.
The region offers an array of amenities, serving as a hub for both recreational activity and suburban living. Residents have access to parklands, cycling networks, and water-based leisure facilities centered on the lake, alongside retail, health, and education infrastructure. Historically, the area was the traditional land of the Awabakal people. Following European settlement in the early 19th century, the local economy was long anchored by coal mining, power generation, and heavy industry. While these sectors remain influential, the modern economy has diversified into tourism, retail, and service-based industries.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 1,537 | 1,418 |
| Harassment threatening | 1,379 | 1,265 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1,343 | 1,281 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 1,092 | 1,044 |
| Fraud | 1,074 | 1,089 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 936 | 956 |
| Breach AVO | 927 | 823 |
| Steal from retail store | 873 | 1,001 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 836 | 956 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 808 | 842 |
| Sexual Offences | 698 | 632 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 491 | 501 |
| Other theft | 482 | 421 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 453 | 464 |
| Steal from dwelling | 351 | 318 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 267 | 249 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 209 | 279 |
| Trespass | 187 | 186 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 131 | 145 |
| Arson | 124 | 153 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 117 | 117 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 95 | 95 |
| Steal from person | 45 | 34 |
| Liquor offences | 28 | 23 |
| Offensive conduct | 27 | 27 |
| Robbery | 26 | 30 |
| Offensive language | 9 | 6 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 213,845 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.
Related areas
- Belmont
- Charlestown
- Toronto
- Cardiff
- Windale
- Morisset
- Swansea
- Glendale
- Gateshead
- Warners Bay
- Edgeworth
- Cameron Park
- Belmont North
- Mount Hutton
- Teralba
- Cooranbong
- Fassifern
- Boolaroo
- Wyee
- Bonnells Bay
- Booragul
- Caves Beach
- Speers Point
- Redhead
- Bolton Point
- Marks Point
- West Wallsend
- Belmont South
- Blacksmiths
- Blackalls Park
- Dora Creek
- Argenton
- Wangi Wangi
- Eleebana
- Valentine
- Whitebridge
- Jewells
- Macquarie Hills
- Kahibah
- Pelican
- Awaba
- Fennell Bay
- Cardiff South
- Barnsley
- Tingira Heights
- Woodrising
- Catherine Hill Bay
- Rathmines
- Freemans Waterhole
- Buttaba
- Morisset Park
- Dudley
- Holmesville
- Kotara South
- Killingworth
- Fishing Point
- Highfields
- Marmong Point
- Nords Wharf
- Swansea Heads
- Floraville
- Cardiff Heights
- Arcadia Vale
- Windermere Park
- Wyee Point
- Bennetts Green
- Lakelands
- Balcolyn
- Garden Suburb
- Coal Point
- Cams Wharf
- Balmoral (Lake Macquarie)
- Murrays Beach
- Hillsborough (Lake Macquarie)
- Eraring
- Mandalong
- Martinsville
- Carey Bay
- Kilaben Bay
- Brightwaters
- Croudace Bay
- Silverwater (Lake Macquarie)
- Wakefield
- Mirrabooka
- Seahampton
- Sunshine
- Yarrawonga Park
- Little Pelican
- Ryhope
- Balmoral (Wingecarribee)
- Pinny Beach
- Moonee
- Myuna Bay