Pelaw Main crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
62 recorded in this period, compared with 64 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Pelaw Main
Pelaw Main is a locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the Cessnock City Council local government area and bearing the postcode 2327. Geographically positioned just east of Cessnock, it functions primarily as a residential suburb characterized by a mix of traditional housing and semi-rural surroundings. The population consists of families and working-class residents, reflecting the broader demographic profile of the Hunter Valley coalfields region.
Local life in Pelaw Main is quiet and community-oriented, with residents relying heavily on neighboring Cessnock for major commercial, educational, and professional services. The locality itself features essential local amenities, including parks, community spaces, and small-scale businesses that cater to daily needs. Recreational areas and sporting facilities within and around the suburb support an active local lifestyle, while the surrounding road network provides direct commuting access to Cessnock, Maitland, and Newcastle.
Historically, Pelaw Main is deeply rooted in the New South Wales coal mining industry. Established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the locality grew rapidly around the operations of the Pelaw Main Colliery, which was once one of the largest and most productive coal mines in the South Maitland coalfields. The area's rich industrial heritage is preserved through local landmarks, historical infrastructure, and the enduring architectural character of its early mining cottages.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 12 | 3 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 10 | 4 |
| Arson | 5 | 7 |
| Breach bail conditions | 5 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 4 | 11 |
| Other theft | 4 | 0 |
| Fraud | 3 | 2 |
| Malicious damage to property | 3 | 9 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 3 | 2 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 2 | 2 |
| Steal from dwelling | 2 | 1 |
| Trespass | 2 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Other offences against justice procedures | 1 | 0 |
| Other offences against the person | 1 | 0 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 1 | 3 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 1 | 3 |
| Sexual assault | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,080 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.