Merewether crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
843 recorded in this period, compared with 967 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Merewether
Merewether is a coastal suburb located in the City of Newcastle local government area, carrying the postcode 2291. Situated approximately 3 kilometres south of the Newcastle central business district, the locality is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, Bar Beach and The Hill to the north, Highfields and Adamstown Heights to the west, and Hamilton South and Dixon Park to the south. The suburb is characterised by its prominent coastal geography, featuring the popular Merewether Beach and the historic Merewether Ocean Bath, which is the largest ocean bath complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
The local lifestyle is heavily centred around outdoor recreation, coastal living, and community amenities. Merewether features local shopping strips, cafes, and restaurants, particularly along Scenic Drive and near the beachfront. Educational and recreational facilities within the suburb include local parks, surf clubs, and sporting grounds. Public transport links connect the residential population to surrounding Newcastle suburbs and the broader Hunter Region.
Historically, the suburb is named after Edward Merewether, an early colonial official and landowner who acquired property in the area during the 19th century. The locality's development was tied to the coal mining industry, driven by the activities of the Newcastle Coal Mining Company and associated pit operations in the surrounding hills. Over the 20th century, Merewether transitioned from a mining-adjacent working-class settlement into a sought-after residential and recreational coastal suburb, retaining several heritage-listed buildings and industrial remnants from its past.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Steal from motor vehicle | 137 | 216 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 108 | 110 |
| Malicious damage to property | 62 | 72 |
| Steal from dwelling | 60 | 64 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 59 | 38 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 56 | 43 |
| Steal from retail store | 41 | 17 |
| Fraud | 40 | 61 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 33 | 50 |
| Other theft | 31 | 44 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 26 | 25 |
| Trespass | 21 | 16 |
| Breach bail conditions | 17 | 14 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 16 | 12 |
| Other offences | 13 | 11 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 12 | 26 |
| Sexual assault | 12 | 10 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 11 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 11,788 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.