New statistics reveal crime has increased dramatically in Canberra's southern suburbs, while Gungahlin and Belconnen have recorded a decline in offences.
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ACT Policing's latest quarterly report revealed crime in Weston Creek increased by 33.7 per cent compared to the previous year, while Tuggeranong recorded a 16 per cent increase.
Crime in Weston Creek has increased by more than 30 per cent for two consecutive quarters, making it one of the fastest-growing crime destinations in the ACT.
The region of Molonglo recorded a 170.3 per cent increase in crime, although police said this was "not an unusual result" given the region's growing population.
Commander Andrea Quinn said that although crime had increased in the ACT, it remained 32 per cent lower than it was during 2009-10.
"Crime is cyclical, and although we have enjoyed a downward trend over the last five years, it's natural to see some ebbing and flowing," she said.
"Crime is ever-changing and we focus on remaining ready to adapt and evolve in order to meet any new challenges as they arise."
Gungahlin recorded the largest decrease in crime with an 8.9 per cent drop compared with 2014 figures, while crime fell by 6.3 per cent in Belconnen.
Property crime increased by 2.9 per cent across the ACT compared to the previous year, with vehicle theft up by 32.4 per cent, burglary up by 10.2 per cent and theft up by 7.5 per cent.
"While reports of property crime have increased over the financial year, ACT Policing has achieved the targets set in the Property Crime Reduction Strategy for 2015," Commander Quinn said.
According to police, there has been a 47.4 per cent reduction in victims of burglary and a 43.5 per cent decrease in motor vehicle theft since 2010.
The statistics show sexual assault dropped by 19.4 per cent during the quarter, while assault fell by 8.6 per cent. Other offences involving weapons and drugs dropped by 2.8 per cent.
Commander Quinn said the quarterly statistics would play an important role in operational strategies.
She also said that the support of the community was essential to reducing crime in the territory, and called for continued assistance: "I'd like to thank the community for their support in reporting crime, reporting suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers and for their responsiveness to calls for witnesses and assistance in investigations," she said.
Earlier this week, the Australia Bureau of Statistics released data confirming a 23 per cent decline in sexual assault during 2014.
The data, based on offences reported to police, found the number of female assault victims in the ACT increased by 8 per cent to 797.
More than 40 per cent of sexual assault victims were aged 19 or younger while 59 per cent of assaults occurred in residential locations. Close to two in three victims knew the offender.
The decline in sexual assault cases in the ACT was a contrast to the national increase of 3.3 per cent to 20,677 victims.
