BALLARAT has bucked a statewide trend and recorded an increase in its crime statistics this year.
Official Victoria Police figures show reported crime in Ballarat rose by 10.4 per cent in the past 12 months, while Victoria's figures fell by 0.4 per cent.
Senior police said yesterday a hefty increase in reports of family violence were partly responsible for the increase, and that a dedicated family violence unit would be set up within the city.
Family violence reports rose by 38.5 per cent, according to police.
Other problem areas for Ballarat include sexual assaults, which rose by 38.2 per cent, non sexual assaults (up by 33.9 per cent), aggravated burglaries (46.4 per cent), car thefts (37.2 per cent) and thefts from motor vehicles (29.7 per cent).
On up the upside, robberies were down by 47.9 per cent, arsons were down by 11.8 per cent and shoplifting offences fell by 27.1 per cent.
Central Highlands Superintendent Andrew Allen said the increase in the overall figures was mostly because of family violence assaults and "volume crime" of car thefts and break-ins.
According to the figures, 964 assaults were reported in the Ballarat local government area in 2007/2008, compared to 720 in 2006/2007.
"The big emphasis will be on visiting repeat problem areas and where we have repeat offenders the unit will concentrate on those particular individuals and families to break the cycle of family violence," he said.
"What the upsurge of reports show is that people are more confident in reporting these incidents, where it used to be kept within the household and people were reluctant to report it.
"It's really a whole community response and we will work with our partners to get the appropriate referrals and that will involve the courts, support agencies and counselling services."
It is hoped the unit will be running within two months, and will be staffed by existing officers within the Ballarat Police Station.
Supt Allen said the increase in thefts from motor vehicles was partly attributable to people leaving gadgets inside cars, while drug raids in March had contributed to increases in that category.
"We had a very successful operation in identifying clandestine operations in Ballarat and that shows people who think they can set-up in regional areas will be charged," he said.
Police Association legal manager Senior Sergeant Greg Davies said the figures were "sanitised" and increases across some categories were because police were not visible on the street.
"Increases in assault, robbery, and theft from a motor vehicle are best combated by a visible and pro-active policing presence, yet hundreds of police continue to be transferred from the front line to desk jobs and other duties," he said.
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