Although there was an overall decrease, crimes against people, burglaries and motor vehicle theft have grown.

A 4.9 per cent rise in crimes against people in the city is attributed to increased reporting, according to Warrnambool policeman Inspector Kevin Archer.

"While family violence of any nature is not acceptable, I see the increase in reporting as recognition that raised awareness and increased support provided through agencies like Emma House is a contributing factor," he said.

Residential burglaries saw a 10.1 per cent rise and other burglaries 23 per cent.

"This is a timely reminder that you can assist us in reporting suspicious activity and making a note of suspicious vehicles, particularly registration numbers, by either calling your local police station or Crime Stoppers," he said. Inspector Archer said that despite the rise in burglary, it is pleasing that one in three of last year's non-residential burglaries were solved.

Crimes against property dropped by 13.4 per cent and assault, excluding family violence, dropped by 10.3 per cent.

"I am pleased to say that effective utilisation of additional police numbers ensured that the holiday period for both those visiting and the local population was enjoyable and, on the whole, trouble free," said Inspector Archer.

There were 3244 crimes recorded in total for Warrnambool and surrounding areas for 2011.