Although Ballarat police maintain most aggravated burglaries are non-violent, Superintendent Andrew Allen said a percentage of young people were arming themselves with cricket bats, or “similar instruments”, before breaking into or robbing houses.

“In the small number of aggravated burglaries in the last 12 months involving some form of violence, this has included physical assaults in some and a cricket bat or similar type of instrument in a lesser number,” Superintendent Allen said. 

Aggravated burglaries have risen across the state. The number of aggravated burglaries in the Ballarat local government area has soared from 77 in the April to March period of 2014 to 142 in the same period this year. Theft is also up, with the latest crime data showing a 9.9 per cent increase in break and enter and 15.7 per cent rise in theft in the past year. 

Melbourne media has reported increased sales of cricket bats as residents attempt to protect themselves from offenders.

The city’s weapon offences have risen by 21.6 per cent over the past 12 months. Superintendent Allen said this averaged out to just under five more offences per month than the year prior. A total of 351 offences were recorded in the Ballarat local government area in the last financial year, up from just from 157 in 2012. 

“This does not represent a dramatic spike in this category.  Notwithstanding, Ballarat Police have made concerted efforts in the enforcement of the Firearms Act regarding appropriate storage and licensing across the police service area,” Superintendent Allen said.

“This is where some of the increased offences are derived from, whilst seizures of edged weapons is also a contributor.” 

Just days ago a Ballarat war veteran made a public plea for his collection of swords and knives, including a 400-year-old katana or samurai sword to be returned, after they were stolen by a heartless, opportunistic thief. 

The victim, Alan Mathieson said the swords are dangerous weapons and he feared the arsenal of weapons could be used in other violent attacks in Ballarat.

“That is a razor-sharp sword that is capable of cutting through French bayonet steel. Literally, you could shave with it,” Mr Mathieson said.

Superintendent Allen said the majority of stolen firearms were taken from rural properties.

Just last week two alleged offenders were caught in the act by an off-duty officer after their getaway car became bogged. Police say they had a number of firearms in the vehicle.

Police are also continuing to search for a number of firearms stolen from Smythesdale. The owner, who kept his firearms locked in a safe in a shed had not checked his weapons for a period of time and did not know when they were stolen.

“We constantly ask licensed firearms owners to ensure their vigilance is maintained and firearms are correctly stored as per the act,” Superintendent Allen said.

“We find the compliance rate is high with the vast majority of licensed gun owners.” 

Police have seized several handguns in the past 12 months, however the majority of recovered firearms are long arms.

“The incidences of handguns in crime is fortunately small,” Superintendent Allen said.

“I wouldn’t say most (weapons offences are linked to crime), however, this does occur.  The main types of weapons seized by police are edged weapons such as knives and other bladed types.”