Wakefield crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
14 recorded in this period, compared with 42 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Wakefield
Wakefield is a semi-rural locality situated in the City of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, within the 2278 postcode. It is characterized by its hilly, forested terrain, much of which is encompassed by the Awaba State Forest. Demographically, the area is sparsely populated, offering a tranquil environment defined by its proximity to the western shoreline of Lake Macquarie. The landscape is largely defined by native bushland and scattered residential lots, providing a quiet, secluded character compared to the more densely developed urban centers within the local government area.
Historically, the region was shaped by the development of the Hunter Region’s coal mining industry, with the area’s name linked to the broader mining heritage of the West Lake Macquarie district. Today, Wakefield functions primarily as a residential locality with minimal commercial amenities, as residents rely on nearby townships such as West Wallsend or Toronto for essential services, schooling, and retail needs. While the area maintains a modest historical connection to regional industrial expansion, contemporary Wakefield remains focused on low-density living, buffered by extensive natural vegetation and protected state forest corridors.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 5 | 9 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 1 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 5 |
| Arson | 2 | 5 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 144 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.