The latest Victoria Police crime figures for the 12 months to September this year show a 50per cent increase in home burglaries, with 859 offences recorded. Robberies were up 28 per cent with 170 offences recorded in the 12 months.

Assaults were up 15 per cent and the number of cars stolen has increased by 10 per cent.

There was a 21per cent spike in drug-related offences in the 12 months to September this year.

Acting inspector Steve Reynolds acknowledged the increase in offences such as drug activity looked problematic. He indicated an increased police focus on those areas.

"If we remove the opportunity for as many people as we can to buy and sell drugs, that will have a flow-on effect in making the community safer in terms of reducing harm associated with drugs in the long term."

He said flooding the CBD with patrols from the special operations unit was making a dent in crime and antisocial behaviour and it would continue into next year.

Footscray's police crime prevention officer, Leading Senior Constable Craig McDonald, said residents should be more vigilant, particularly during the festive season.

"Most people are carrying more cash around and tend to be less aware of things happening around them as they're in the festive mood. They are purchasing lots of items and leaving them in the car while shopping and they could be targeted if people don't switch on."

He said most robberies were around transport hubs and urged people not to display expensive phones and other gadgets.

"At home, it's not enough to secure a home worth hundreds of thousands of dollars with a small lock," he said.

"People should be mindful of keeping their home secure when they are storing all the items they've bought for Christmas.

"Any break-in or robbery can really upset Christmas for a family, not to mention the expense it can incur."

Senior Constable McDonald said residents should go to the Neighbourhood Watch website and download a home security checklist.

Details: nhw.com.au/Home

■Twenty- seven suspects were arrested for almost 100 drug possession and trafficking offences during a covert operation by Footscray detectives between November 7 and 18.

Offending led to 49 trafficking heroin charges, 43 possessing heroin charges, three using heroin charges, four charges of possessing proceeds of crime, and one weapons offence charge.

During the operation, more than 20 of the 30 offenders processed were remanded in custody.