Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford questioned deputy premier Peter Ryan about the increase in Southern Grampians crime statistics after comparing figures from 2010 and 2011 .

"I would like to specifically point out the following in the Hamilton area a 10.8 per cent increase in crimes against the person, a 25.4 per cent increase in assault, a staggering 26.9 per cent increase in car theft, an 11.3 per cent increase in property damage and overall a total increase in crime of 4.8 per cent, which is 109 additional crimes," she said.

"The residents of Hamilton have a right to feel safe and indeed the Baillieu-Ryan government was elected on the back of a law-and-order campaign.

"I ask the deputy premier, the minister for police, to take action to bring down crime across the state and in particular to focus on the western Victoria police region."

In the crime statistics released on the Victoria Police website, Southern Grampians Acting Inspector Stephen Thompson said policing was a partnership with the community.

"Co-operation among all of us is essential. By working together we can contribute to providing a safe environment for everybody," he wrote on the website.

"In this reporting period you can see some rises in most crime categories. The 10.9 per cent increase in crimes against the person, in relation to the number of offences, is reflective of our focus on the increased reporting of family violence.

"This is a strategy to encourage more reports of this crime to enable us to focus on providing a safe environment in the home as well as in the community."

Acting Inspector Thompson said burglary and theft of motor car offences also increased, but there had been targeted operations by uniform and plainclothes police which led to offenders being identified and charged.

"Those investigations are continuing. No report of crime or suspicious behaviour is too minor and every detail assists us in detecting offenders," he said.

"I encourage anyone with information to report it to their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

The police chief said property damage was also on the increase.

"It is the largest category of all crimes in this area and is recorded as graffiti as well as deliberately damaged items like letterboxes and public property," he said.

"Alcohol misuse and abuse is a great cause of concern and contributes to most anti-social crimes including property damage, assaults, public order offences and family violence.

"We have been active in licensing enforcement ensuring hotels, sporting clubs and night clubs are serving alcohol responsibly," he said.