Police have called for greater security measures in Lightning Ridge following a spate of break and enters and vandalism in the town during the past week.
Five incidents of houses and camps being broken into and one vandalism offence were reported to police.
These include residences at Baroona, Flamingo Street, Cardinal Road, Morilla streets and a camp at the Four Mile opal field, as well as a case of property damage at the post office.
Numerous items were stolen such as vehicles, TVs, DVDs, video game consoles, video cameras and other electrical goods.
Post office manager Norma Bennett said when the offenders attacked the premises the alarm was activated.
She said after they checked to see what type of damage had been done, it was discovered that someone had tried to force the phone card and stamp dispensing machine open.
"I assume it was to get the money," she said.
Ms Bennett said the post office had been targeted before, but it had always been a case of vandalism to the exterior of the building.
"This is the third time someone has had a go at the machine outside," she said.
"But I think in comparison to many other businesses, we have been fairly lucky.
"It is becoming a bit of a nuisance though, because we need to get it fixed all the time," she said.
Ms Bennett said if the vandalism continued, a guard may need to be placed around the machine.
She said the large mailbox outside the post office had also been vandalised with someone throwing liquid into it.
"We've also had that same mailbox burnt out twice, and there is nothing much we can do about it, because we have had no idea about what type of mail was in the box," she said.
Ms Bennett said she believed if cameras were placed in Morilla Street it would help kerb vandalism.
"The street is already lit up and that hasn't deterred them, but I think if we place a camera outside it would be more effective.
"They will get caught on camera then," she said.
While the post office wasn't broken into, Ms Bennett who has been living in the Ridge for six years, said it was the first time she had heard homes in town had been broken into, and was shocked to hear some were damaged as well.
"I had heard about camps being raided before, but not homes within the town," she said.
Senior Constable Dave Harvey of the Lightning Ridge police, said some of the offences had occurred in broad daylight.
He said while this was unusual, it had happened before.
Const Harvey said police would be targeting vandalism to try and reduce the number of incidents occurring as a result of damage done in the main street.
"Police are enforcing the move on legislation around the CBD area, and also outside licensed premises," he said.
Const Harvey said police were advising residents to secure their homes when leaving and to ensure all valuables were securely locked away.
"We are requesting assistance for more members of the community to identify offenders and report all crime."
"It is important if people think they have any information, no matter how irrelevant it may seem, that they let us know."
Const Harvey said all information could be given anonymously.
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