Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Reither, who oversees investigators across the south-west, said that in the first three months of the year there had been an increase in home and commercial burglaries.

"We were very aware of that situation and came up with strategies to address the situation," he said.

"Since July 1 our figures show that the incidents of home and business break-ins has dropped between 23 and 24 per cent.

"We put in place very clear offender management processes and we've had that significant decline since."

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Reither said the strategy to target recidivist offenders had a significant impact on crime in the city, not just burglaries.

From mid year there were 25 people charged with trafficking drugs in six weeks.

Drug users reported that ice was difficult to source in Warrnambool as the police crackdown started to have an impact.

It was interesting to note that chemists reported a jump in people wanting prescription medication.

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Detective Acting Sergeant Elissa Smith, of the Warrnambool police divisional tasking unit, said targeting drug dealers with the aim of limiting the supply of illicit substances in the region had an impact.

"It's been very pleasing. We've got some outstanding young officers doing some excellent work in cooperation with the Warrnambool crime investigation unit and uniform officers across the region," she said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Reither said drugs were a gateway to many other property offences, such as burglary and home invasions.

"Our focus on drug trafficking will have a positive impact on those other offences as well," he said.

"But it's only with cooperation and information from the public can police members best do our jobs.

"Anyone with information is requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"We want to create a hostile environment for those in the drug trade, so they are nervous about committing offences."

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