Warrnambool Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven said significant police resources had been deployed in a manhunt this week involving the police air wing and the canine unit, assisting south-west uniform members and detectives.

He said similar resources were used to investigate a man being stabbed five times, a victim being shot in a leg, home invasions and a string of car thefts and torchings.

"There has been a trend towards serious drug-fuelled crime being committed in the past few weeks. However, we confident of seeing a decline due to a targeted response at recidivist offending," Detective Sergeant Raven said.

"Pleasingly most of those incidents have led to arrests or at least in-depth investigations which have allowed us to become aware of the circumstances involved."

Detective Sergeant Raven said that many of the crimes had been opportunistic, with cars and homes being left unlocked by owners and residents.

"The last thing we want is anyone to be the victim of serious crime," he said.

"But, we also need everyone in the community to be security conscious. Police members are making significant inroads in our investigations. 

"We are making arrests. We are charging people, but we need everyone in the community to assist."

Detective Sergeant Raven requested that anyone with information about serious crime, especially drugs, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

On Friday, a Portland man was charged with 20 offences after a drug-fuelled rampage across the south-west.

Damien Kiel, 23, of no fixed address, did not apply for bail in Warrnambool Magistrates Court and will be held in custody until May 31.

When asked about custody issues, lawyer Jack Rabl said Mr Kiel was withdrawing from drug addiction and would need medical attention for a leg injury.  

Police allege Mr Kiel was involved in attempted armed robbery of Squires IGA X-press in Terang about 5pm on Tuesday.  

It will be alleged Mr Kiel confront an attendant while armed with a 30cm silver kitchen knife and demanded money.

He is claimed to have fled empty handed after a scuffle.

​Detective Senior Constable Derek Verity​, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said a number of offences were allegedly committed across the south-west mid this week.  

He said Mr Kiel had been charged with two counts of evading police, in Portland's Mitchell Crescent on Tuesday evening and while approaching Hamilton on Wednesday.

There are also three counts of burglary, relating to a chemist shop in Penshurst, a tool shop in Hamilton and at the Hamilton Golf Club.

Police allege Mr Kiel was also involved in petrol drive-offs at Heywood and Hamilton.

Mr Kiel made no comment when interviewed.

The ongoing police investigations include reviewing a range of security camera footage.

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