Premier Daniel Andrews has rubbished suggestions Victorians are scared to eat out due to gang violence, saying he dined out several times during his break.



Returning to work after taking leave in the New Year, Mr Andrews said there had been some nasty criminal incidents recently but expressed confidence that Victoria Police was "turning this around".



"We can be confident they are the best police force in the nation," he said.



Mr Andrews confirmed he had spoken to Police Commissioner Graham Ashton, who had asked for a national crime database to be rolled out in Victoria.



The Premier said police would be given the resources they need.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said last week that some Victorians were scared to go out to restaurants for fear of being followed by African street gangs, angering many people in the community who accused him of whipping up hysteria.



"I think Mr Dutton's comments were designed to get a rise out of people," Mr Andrews said. "They were designed to be as controversial as possible.

"I don't know how often he spends time in Melbourne. He's always welcome to come and have dinner..."

Mr Andrews said he had referred to recent criminal activity as "gang crime".