Only Geelong and Bendigo have a smaller crime rate per 100,000 population according to new figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency which take in the period to the end of December last year.

Ballarat's crime rate is now at a level not seen since 2014.

In terms of actual offences, there were 8085 crimes committed in the Ballarat region in 2018 - a per 100,000 rate of 7525.4.

In fact, Ballarat and Geelong are the only two regional centres to have shown a decrease in their crime rates in the past year, with the state experiencing a two per cent increase across the board.

Theft, mostly from cars, is far and away the biggest issue facing Ballarat police with 3255 thefts reported throughout the year while there were more than 1500 breaches of order, which for the first time has overtaken the rates of burglary and property damage.

There were 1024 burglaries in Ballarat in 2018, just under three a day.

The highest regional crime rate is in Latrobe, while Mildura, Shepparton and Warrnambool have also shown big increases in the 12 month period.

Geelong is now considered as the safest regional city, overtaking Bendigo in first place for the first time this decade.

Superintendent Jenny Wilson said the entire Ballarat region which also takes in Golden Plains, Moorabool, Hepburn and Central Highlands had seen a six per cent reduction in crime to the end of 2018.

"For the Ballarat area we've seen reductions in a number of areas including aggravated burglary and burglary offences," she said.

"That doesn't mean we take the foot off pedal, but it does show in the areas have been doing some strong work, which are important to the local community."

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