Smiths Lake crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
86 recorded in this period, compared with 33 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Smiths Lake
Smiths Lake is a coastal locality situated within the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, holding the postcode 2428. Geographically, it is positioned between the Tasman Sea and its namesake, an intermittently closed and open lake system (ICOLL). The area is characterized by its proximity to the Myall Lakes National Park, which surrounds much of the lake’s shoreline. Demographically, the locality serves as both a permanent residential area and a popular holiday destination, experiencing significant seasonal population fluctuations due to tourism.
Local life in Smiths Lake centers on aquatic recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming, facilitated by its access to the lake and nearby Pacific Palms beaches. The village maintains a modest commercial precinct providing essential services, including a small supermarket, cafes, and specialty shops. Residents and visitors rely on the surrounding region for broader infrastructure and secondary education. The community is defined by its quiet, semi-rural character and focus on environmental preservation, balancing residential needs with the protection of the local waterway’s delicate ecosystem.
The area’s heritage is closely linked to the traditional custodianship of the Worimi people, who have long-standing cultural connections to the Myall Lakes region. European settlement in the wider district historically revolved around timber harvesting and small-scale agriculture before the region transitioned into a destination for coastal tourism in the mid-20th century. While few formal heritage structures remain, the locality retains a strong connection to its natural history, with conservation efforts remaining a primary focus for the community and local government in maintaining the lake’s water quality and biodiversity.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence related assault | 15 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 11 | 1 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 9 | 8 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 7 | 0 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 5 | 3 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 2 |
| Breach bail conditions | 4 | 1 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 4 | 2 |
| Arson | 3 | 1 |
| Other theft | 3 | 0 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 1 |
| Trespass | 3 | 3 |
| Fraud | 2 | 3 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 0 |
| Cultivating cannabis | 1 | 0 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 1 | 3 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,332 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.