The crime rate in Bendigo has increased by an alarming 16.7% during the last financial year.
Police indicate that alcohol and other drugs are factors but are not quite sure why it is such a growing problem.
Assaults in that central business district area of Bendigo have seen an increase while assaults around licensed premises have dropped.
Crime rates have also increased above the state average in the Campaspe, Macedon Ranges and Central Goldfields-Loddon areas.
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