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

CategoryCurrent periodPrevious period
Breach bail conditions1,5371,418
Harassment threatening1,3791,265
Malicious damage to property1,3431,281
Assault - domestic violence1,0921,044
Fraud1,0741,089
Transport regulatory offences936956
Breach AVO927823
Steal from retail store8731,001
Steal from motor vehicle836956
Assault - non-domestic violence808842
Sexual Offences698632
Motor vehicle theft491501
Other theft482421
Break and enter dwelling453464
Steal from dwelling351318
Prohibited weapons offences267249
Break and enter non-dwelling209279
Trespass187186
Possession use of cannabis131145
Arson124153
Resist or hinder officer117117
Receiving stolen goods9595
Steal from person4534
Liquor offences2823
Offensive conduct2727
Robbery2630
Offensive language96

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.

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