Paterson crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
55 recorded in this period, compared with 28 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Paterson
Paterson is a historic rural locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the Dungog Shire local government area (postcode 2421). Located on the banks of the Paterson River, the area is characterized by undulating agricultural land, pastoral flats, and remnant native vegetation. At the 2021 census, Paterson and its surrounding rural catchment recorded a small population, primarily comprising families, retirees, and individuals engaged in local agriculture and commuting to regional hubs.
The locality functions as a quiet residential and agricultural hub, featuring local amenities that serve the immediate community, including a general store, a local public school, sports grounds, and historic local pubs. Community life is centered around traditional rural activities, local events, and the preservation of its natural riverine environment. While limited in commercial infrastructure, residents access broader retail, medical, and educational services in neighboring towns such as Maitland and Dungog.
Paterson is one of the oldest European settlements in the Hunter Valley, originally explored in the early 19th century and named after Colonel William Paterson. The village retains a high concentration of colonial-era architecture, making it a destination for heritage tourism and history enthusiasts. Notable historic landmarks include the Paterson Courthouse Museum, St Paul's Anglican Church, and various 19th-century homesteads that reflect its origins as a bustling river port during the cedar-cutting and agricultural booms of the colonial era.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Liquor offences | 29 | 0 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 4 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 2 | 4 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 2 | 6 |
| Other theft | 2 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 0 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 1 | 1 |
| Fraud | 1 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 5 |
| Pornography offences | 1 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 960 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.