Phyllis McDonald, who broke her leg said she bought the walking frame because because it collapsed and folded out easily.

“I got it for getting in and out of taxis without damaging the car – it was light and easy for me to handle,” she said.

“Anyone taking that is a lowlife, it’s just anything they can sell.” 

The Spring Street resident said she noticed it was gone when she wanted to do some gardening.

“They got in through a little door and undid the big padlocks from the inside,” she said.

Then Mrs McDonald had her garage broken into where a white pull-along, containing two black antique vases with gold trim, a brass vase and jewellery, was taken.

“There was a sapphire necklace and a butterfly brooch with all different colours given to me by my grandkids and I wanted to give it back to them one day,” she said.

With her police so far unable to locate the items, Mrs McDonald appealed to have the items returned.

“I would like them to return them by putting them over the gate at the side – if not, further action will be taken,” she said.

She said both her security lights had been damaged and she was about to upgrade her CCTV system, but she was not alone, with neighbours around her also losing locks from gates, letterboxes and hood ornaments from cars.

According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Orange is a hotspot for dwelling break and enters, registering 450 incidents in the year to March, more than two-and-a-half times the state average per 100,000 people.

Canobolas Local Area Command has advised home owners to ensure doors, windows and gates were locked, keep bushes and trees trimmed to minimise hiding places, leave dogs outside when not home and remove objects from around the house which could be used as tools or for climbing on. 

Inspector Peter Atkins encouraged victims to report all incidents.

“We base our taskings on crime hotspots so it’s important to report it to us,” he said.

He said people concerned about home security could also contact the crime prevention officer on 6363 6399 for advice or to inquire about a home security assessment.