Lovedale crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
65 recorded in this period, compared with 62 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lovedale
Lovedale is a semi-rural locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the Cessnock City Council local government area (postcode 2325). Located south-west of Maitland and east of Cessnock, the area is characterized by rolling hills, open farmland, and scattered pockets of native bushland. As part of the broader Hunter Valley wine region, Lovedale has a relatively small, dispersed permanent population consisting largely of rural residential properties, agricultural holdings, and tourism-related operators.
The local economy and lifestyle are heavily centered around viticulture, tourism, and hospitality. Lovedale features numerous boutique vineyards, cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, and luxury accommodation options, making it a popular destination for weekend visitors and holidaymakers. Basic retail and civic amenities are limited within the locality itself, with residents relying on nearby major centers such as Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, and Maitland for comprehensive shopping, healthcare, and educational services.
Originally inhabited by the Wonnarua people, European settlement in the area began in the 19th century as land was cleared for agriculture and grazing. The locality was historically known as Black Creek before being renamed Lovedale. Over the subsequent decades, the region transitioned from traditional farming to specialized horticulture and winemaking, establishing the Hunter Valley's reputation as one of Australia's premier wine-producing districts.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 8 | 2 |
| Arson | 7 | 9 |
| Breach bail conditions | 7 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 6 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 6 | 6 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 5 | 8 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 5 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 4 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 4 | 6 |
| Other theft | 3 | 8 |
| Other offences | 2 | 0 |
| Trespass | 2 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 1 | 2 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 0 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 1 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 502 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.