Newcastle crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,294 recorded in this period, compared with 1,772 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Newcastle
Newcastle is a coastal city located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, situated approximately 160 kilometres north of Sydney, within the City of Newcastle local government area (postcode 2300). As a major regional hub, it comprises a diverse mix of urban, commercial, and residential areas, bound by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Hunter River estuary to the north. Geographically, it functions as the economic and population center of the Greater Newcastle area, supported by a population characterized by a blend of long-standing local communities, young professionals, and university students attending the University of Newcastle.
Local life and amenities in Newcastle are defined by its coastal geography, featuring prominent landmarks such as Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Head, and the Bogey Hole. The city centre has undergone significant urban renewal, transitioning from its heavy industrial roots into a vibrant cultural hub featuring the Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery, and a diverse array of cafes, restaurants, and retail spaces. Transport infrastructure includes an extensive bus and ferry network, as well as the Newcastle Light Rail, which connects the Interchange to the eastern end of the city. Education, healthcare, and professional services serve as primary economic drivers alongside tourism.
Historically, the area is the traditional land of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, who know the region as *Muloobinba*. European settlement began following the discovery of coal in the late 18th century, leading to the establishment of a penal colony in 1804. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Newcastle evolved into a bustling industrial powerhouse, anchored by the historic BHP steelworks, which operated from 1915 until its closure in 1999. This rich heritage is preserved today in numerous heritage-listed buildings, Victorian-era streetscapes, and industrial relics that reflect the city's transformation into a modern coastal metropolis.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 939 | 664 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 153 | 127 |
| Malicious damage to property | 141 | 88 |
| Steal from retail store | 123 | 106 |
| Other theft | 117 | 115 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 89 | 57 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 56 | 29 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 48 | 33 |
| Steal from dwelling | 44 | 42 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 42 | 41 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 41 | 45 |
| Fraud | 41 | 35 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 37 | 30 |
| Other offences | 34 | 23 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 34 | 46 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 29 | 25 |
| Trespass | 29 | 14 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 27 | 27 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,852 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.