Pokolbin crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
178 recorded in this period, compared with 129 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Pokolbin
Pokolbin is a rural locality situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, within the Cessnock City Council local government area. Covering a significant portion of the lower Hunter Valley, the area is characterized by its undulating terrain, proximity to the Broken Back Range, and fertile alluvial soils. As of the 2021 Census, the area maintains a modest permanent residential population, though it experiences high transient traffic due to its status as the commercial and geographic heart of the Hunter Valley wine industry.
The locality functions primarily as a premier tourism and viticulture hub, hosting an extensive array of commercial vineyards, cellar doors, boutique accommodation, and fine-dining establishments. Infrastructure is largely oriented toward the hospitality sector, with the area serving as a focal point for regional events and weekend tourism. While there is limited residential infrastructure compared to larger nearby service centers like Cessnock or Maitland, the locality remains a major economic driver for the region through its highly developed wine tourism circuit.
Settlement in the area dates back to the early 19th century, following the arrival of European pioneers and the establishment of some of Australia’s earliest commercial vineyards. The region’s viticultural heritage is marked by its long-standing focus on Shiraz and Semillon production, which has shaped the architectural and cultural landscape of the locality for nearly two centuries. Today, Pokolbin is recognized for its historical significance in Australian winemaking, preserved through long-established family estates and protected landscapes that define its rural character.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 35 | 20 |
| Other theft | 18 | 15 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 16 | 8 |
| Malicious damage to property | 14 | 6 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 10 | 8 |
| Fraud | 10 | 2 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 8 | 4 |
| Sexual assault | 8 | 4 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 18 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 7 | 6 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 5 | 1 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 5 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 5 | 7 |
| Arson | 4 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 4 | 1 |
| Other offences | 4 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 13 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 3 | 4 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,049 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.