Lauren’s car has been broken into twice in the past six months.

Following the latest incident on Tuesday night, she has decided it is no longer safe to park her car in McLachlan Street near her house, so she parks it at her parents’ house.

Lauren did not want the Central Western Daily to publish her name for fear of retribution.

“I’m too scared that this will happen to me again. I’ll have to get a lift home from my parents’ house now,” she said.

“It’s devastating and frustrating to have this happen to me twice.

“This is costing me money and it’s very disheartening to know you can’t leave your car on the street.”

Lauren said while she had car insurance, it did not cover the cost of replacing the smashed window, which she estimated would cost a couple of hundred dollars, if she could not find one second-hand.

Lauren said many of her friends had also had their cars broken into.

“I think people in Orange are aware that this is a problem. Things have changed, you just can’t leave your car out the front of your house,” she said.

Canobolas Local Area Command Inspector Bruce Grassick confirmed there had been an increase in the number of vehicles broken into in recent weeks.

“It’s a crime focus for our command and a lot of resources are being used to combat this criminal offence,” he said.

Inspector Grassick said drivers needed to ensure they locked their vehicles, parked in well-lit areas, reported any suspicious activities to police and were aware thieves often target areas such as car parks.

Since last Friday cars have been broken into in Anson Street, Amana Circuit, Hale Street, Spring Street, Byng Street and Tate Crescent.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au