Pelican crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
81 recorded in this period, compared with 71 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Pelican
Pelican is a coastal suburb situated in the Hunter region of New South Wales, within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area (Postcode 2281). Located approximately 22 kilometres south-southwest of Newcastle's central business district, the locality is geographically bounded by the Tasman Sea to the east and the southern shores of Lake Macquarie to the north and west. The area's terrain is generally low-lying and sandy, characteristic of the coastal barrier peninsula it shares with neighbouring Blacksmiths and Swansea. Demographically, Pelican is a quiet residential community reflecting the broader regional demographics of the Lake Macquarie LGA, with a population consisting largely of families and retirees attracted to the coastal and lakeside lifestyle.
Local life and amenities in Pelican are heavily oriented around water-based recreation, including fishing, boating, and windsurfing. The suburb features Pelican Foreshore Reserve, a popular local park equipped with boat ramps, picnic areas, and swimming spots along the lake. Aviation is also a notable local feature, as the suburb is home to the Pelican Airport, a small aerodrome primarily servicing light aircraft and local flight training. For broader commercial, educational, and health services, residents primarily rely on the adjacent commercial hubs of Swansea and Belmont.
Historically, the land around Pelican and the wider Lake Macquarie basin was traditionally inhabited by the Awabakal people, who utilized the rich marine and terrestrial resources of the lake and coastline. European settlement in the area began in the 19th century, initially driven by timber-getting, fishing, and later coal mining developments in the broader Hunter region. Over the 20th century, Pelican transitioned from a remote, semi-rural outpost into a settled residential suburb as part of the broader post-war suburban expansion along the New South Wales central coast.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Other offences | 31 | 39 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 8 | 2 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 7 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6 | 4 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 5 | 1 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 4 | 2 |
| Breach bail conditions | 4 | 1 |
| Fraud | 2 | 3 |
| Sexual assault | 2 | 3 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Criminal intent | 1 | 0 |
| Dealing, trafficking in amphetamines | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 1 | 3 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 5 |
| Other drug offences | 1 | 0 |
| Other theft | 1 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 874 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.