Community leaders in country Victoria are speaking out about limited emergency services in the wake of ongoing farm crime.

Rochester police station has recently been short two members, prompting concerns about whether existing staff can adequately respond to crimes.

Key points: Concerns that police resources unable to cope with farm crime

Concerns that police resources unable to cope with farm crime Former police officer says 'community is getting nervous'

Former police officer says 'community is getting nervous' Victorian Government says it will look at ways to disrupt farm crime

This year, Victoria Police will rethink how best to tackle rural crime such as ute thefts, shed break-ins, stock theft and stolen machinery and will decide on the best model for future responses.

Community 'getting nervous'

Former detective Narelle Fraser, who lives in a small rural community north of Bendigo, expressed concern about resourcing levels.

She is now retired from the force but said police members were overwhelmed with work.

"There is a lot going on in a little community," Ms Fraser said.

"I am worried about resourcing levels. It seems all over Victoria there are issues.

"Up near my way, the community are getting very nervous, I suppose because the crime is continuing."

Up to half-hour wait for police to attend

Ms Fraser said there was sometimes a half-hour wait at night before a police officer arrived at a crime scene.

Former police officer Narelle Fraser has spoken out about police resources in country Victoria. ( ABC Central Victoria: Larissa Romensky )

"It is the system I don't understand," she said.

"We're getting all these recruits but where are they?"

The Victorian Government said it was funding the biggest boost in police numbers in Victoria Police's history and new officers would have the ability to respond to farm crime.

State Police Minister Lisa Neville has reassured victims of farm crime that members have the tools and resources needed to keep communities safe.

Ms Neville said the police review this year would determine the best approach to identify and disrupt farm crime.

In addition, new reporting methods will be introduced for the public by Victoria Police.

These will include an online portal and a hotline for non-emergency calls.

Criminals taking advantage of police numbers

Rochester's local council, the Campaspe Shire, has been campaigning on the issue of police numbers.

Late last year, Victoria Police said there were two members on leave with a new female officer due to start soon.

The Rochester community is also worried about their ambulance cover. ( ABC Central Victoria: Stephanie Corsetti )

Councillor Leigh Wilson said criminals had been taking advantage of limited police in the country.

"It is well known in Rochester when police are on duty and when they are not on duty," he said.

"These criminals, while they might be drug-affected or affected by other means, they are not stupid."

In nearby Tongala last December, thieves used an excavator to smash into an automatic teller machine.

The same week, two men stole cigarettes from the town's supermarket.

An organic garlic crop valued at $15,000 was stolen from a paddock at Cockatoo one November night last year.

Gaps in other emergency services

It is not only policing that has been worrying the local community.

Rochester will be one of 15 ambulance branches to be upgraded to a dual paramedic crew as part of a state election promise by Labor

"I don't want to keep hearing anecdotal information of extended delays for an ambulance to get to the scene of an emergency," Councillor Wilson said.

"These core services are incredibly important and I'd hate to see rural communities getting left behind."

When Labor made the pledge before November's election last year, the ambulance employees union said lives would be saved.

Councillor Wilson said a petition had been sent to State Parliament to investigate the level of service required at Rochester.

Ambulance Victoria said Rochester services would continue to be available 24 hours a day with support from community officers.