Statistics released this week show that while burglary and theft remains the biggest issue facing police - despite reductions from previous years - crimes other than family violence against the person are down across the board.

The statistics show there were 45 robbery offences in the 12 months to June 30 while sexual offences showed a sharp fall.

The other statistic to show a big fall was the cultivation of drugs, which saw a reduction from 27 offences to June 30 last year, to just nine to the same time this year. 

Crimes per 100,000 population also fell sharply

Inspector Trevor Cornwill said there was no doubt there had been a reduction in crime in recent months, even more so since new bail laws came into effect as of July 1.

“We are always working to reduce the crime rate and it’s pleasing to see we are tracking downwards,” he said.

“I’m certainly noticing the reduction in reported crime with police. We put that down to targeting of repeat offenders.

“There’s definitely been an impact of bail laws. The magistrates have more power now and we’re noticing that.”

Inspector Cornwill said sometimes perceptions of a high crime rate in Ballarat was not always accurate, saying it is generally a safe place.

“I can certainly say that Ballarat is not in the high crime category as mentioned in recent report,” he said. 

“Ballarat is a very livable city and a safe place. Yes, there is work to be done with burglary and theft and theft from motor vehicle, but overall the trends are heading down.”