Statistics show theft has continued to surge in the Ballarat region – but police remain frustrated that residents are not doing enough to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to opportunistic thieves determined to steal cars, cash and keys.

Theft in the Ballarat PSA rose by 13.7 per cent while data showed aggravated burglaries in the city were the highest per 100,000 population in the state and the second highest overall – with 230 offences recorded in 2016.

Number plate thefts have also continued to surge – with latest data revealing the number of number plates being stolen in Ballarat has surged nearly 45 per cent in the past year.

Plate thefts increased from 458 in October 2014-September 2015 to 832 during the same period in 2015.

Ballarat policing proactive unit Leading Senior Constable Janine Walker said Thursday’s information session would focus on the crime categories that were improving, the crime categories that needed focus and new things the community could do to ensure they were harder targets for criminals.

“It’s definitely not about victim blaming. It’s definitely about raising awareness about what (the community) can do better. Often people think they are doing the right thing, but sometimes just taking a few extra steps will target harden them,” Leading Senior Constable Walker said.

“It’s really important for the community – we try to do the best that we can in regard to processing offenders when crime has occurred and going through that path of catching and processing offenders.

“But there is also a very important key component which is teaching the community to prevent crime.” 

CrimeStoppers will partner with security organisations – which will present at the forum – as it believes innovative new lighting and recording systems can assist police with investigations.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Sam Hunter said the charity was delighted to partner with like-minded organisations where community safety is paramount.

“Crime Stoppers Victoria’s priority is to ensure all Victorian’s feel safe. Together with the community we achieve this by assisting law enforcement agencies in the detection and prevention of crime.

“(Security products) are instrumental in this space with captured footage later being used as evidence in police investigations and helping to solve crime.” The session will be held at Pleasant Street’s Bunch of Grapes Hotel at 10.30am on Thursday.