Metford crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
589 recorded in this period, compared with 425 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Metford
Metford is a residential suburb located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the City of Maitland local government area and bearing the postcode 2323. Situated approximately 27 kilometres northwest of Newcastle, the locality is primarily characterised by low-density residential housing. Demographically, Metford is home to a mix of families and commuters who are drawn to the area for its relatively quiet suburban environment and regional accessibility.
Local life in Metford is supported by essential community infrastructure, including local parks, sporting fields, and educational facilities such as Metford Public School. The suburb is well-connected to major transport routes, notably the New England Highway and the Hunter Expressway, facilitating travel to Maitland, Newcastle, and the broader Hunter Valley. Public transport is serviced by regional bus networks and the Metford railway station, which lies on the Hunter line.
Historically, Metford developed as part of the broader expansion of the Maitland district, transitioning from rural and agricultural land use into a suburban residential area over the latter half of the 20th century. The suburb has experienced steady residential growth in recent decades, particularly with the establishment of new housing estates. It has also gained regional significance as the location of the Maitland Hospital, which opened a major new facility in Metford to serve the growing population of the City of Maitland and surrounding areas.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Transport regulatory offences | 125 | 82 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 69 | 53 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 56 | 44 |
| Malicious damage to property | 41 | 33 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 37 | 32 |
| Breach bail conditions | 35 | 14 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 30 | 11 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 27 | 6 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 24 | 18 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 23 | 26 |
| Fraud | 13 | 16 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 13 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 10 | 12 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 8 | 6 |
| Other offences | 7 | 3 |
| Other theft | 7 | 9 |
| Criminal intent | 6 | 2 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 6 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4,707 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.