Burglaries in the Northern Grampians has also risen by 33 per cent. 

New Crime Statistics Agency figures show a total 1,315 offences in the region for the year ending March 31, 2017, up from 1,147 the year before.

But a total 764 offences were recorded at Stawell, down from 805 last year.

Upward trends in the region included acts of deception (up 137 per cent), dangerous and negligent acts (up 65 per cent), assault (up 28 per cent) and weapons and explosive offences (up 25 per cent).  

Among the worst was robbery with an extra 25 offences committed, an increase of 33 per cent.

Northern Grampians Acting Inspector Paul Bertoncello said police would carefully examine the factors contributing to rises in particular crimes and in specific areas.  

“We are aware of the rise in burglaries in some areas of the police service area, and a rise in non-family violence assaults in others,” he said. 

“We continuously review our approach to crime during the year and we’re working hard to ensure community safety through the prevention of offences.”

Acting Inspector Bertoncello said a significant 77 per cent increase in drug crime detection was a measure of recent drug busts.

Police and the dog squad discovered 2kg of cannabis, 104g methyl amphetamine and 8.25g heroin valued at $100,000 at a Fisher Street home on June 9. 

Up to 20 cannabis plants were also seized when police carried out search warrants at two suspected grow houses at Stawell in March.

“Illicit drugs are a scourge on local communities and drive many other crime themes including family violence, assaults, and burglaries – not to mention the danger caused when combined with driving,” Acting Inspector Bertoncello said. 

“Drug crime only appears in our statistics when we are out there looking for it, so it is a measure of how well our members are doing their job.”