The Police Association Victoria assistant secretary Inspector Bruce McKenzie said police in the Ballarat region were doing the best they could with limited resources. He said the state government’s commitment to delivering an extra 2729 police would be welcomed – if they were delivered to the frontline in areas with a dearth of resources. 

Victoria Police and The State Government have not yet disclosed where the police will be delivered to, but said they are working with the Police Association on a new allocation model. 

“They have confronted high levels of youth crime over recent years, and just like police everywhere have been impacted by the scourge of ice, family violence and mental health,” Inspector McKenzie said.

“Dealing with these competing demands, as well as ensuring that all calls for assistance are met is difficult and these additional police, will assist our members and the community.”

Youth crime has plagued the city, with police attributing the rise in aggravated burglaries, break-ins and arson to a group of ruthless young offenders who will steal at any opportunity. March data showed youth crime in Ballarat to be at its highest in at least five years, with the number of alleged incidents involving young males increasing by 159 since 2014. 

Ballarat Acting Superintendent Zorka Dunstan said police were committed to driving down crime in the community.

“The local police continue to work hard in making Ballarat safe and we are pleased to hear about the extensive government investing in police numbers over the coming year,” she said.

Police minister Lisa Neville said the boost would bring the total number of new police to 3135,  growing  the police force by 20 per cent. Inspector McKenzie said the rollout of resources would be closely monitored by the Police Association to ensure police were allocated to areas in need.