Ballarat Superintendent Andrew Allen said police were ideally positioned to patrol the Lucas area which is pegged for exponential growth in coming years.

Ballarat West station commander Senior Sergeant David Reither said members were regularly patrolling their response zone and engaging with the community.

He said officers were targeting hoon driving and antisocial behaviour.

Police investigated an incident at the shopping centre a few months ago when shots were fired through windows.

Superintendent Allen maintained he is confident with policing numbers.