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Residents in small towns in the district are living in fear.
Many have expressed concern about the absence of a full-time police officer.
The manager of the Barellan and District War Memorial Club said it was common knowledge that police were more than half an hour away.
She said she believed this resulted in opportunistic criminals targeting small towns.
Yenda and Darlington Point residents have also expressed similar concerns.
The recent break in at the club in Barellan spooked staff members.
A small safe did not appear to have been broken into and the offender crawled through the club, leading staff members to believe he had an intimate knowledge about the alarm system.
The club has upgraded its security system and put in safety measures for staff working at night, but this will only result in higher costs for clubs in small towns.
You have to wonder whether it will get to the point where clubs in small towns will become a thing of the past because of the high cost of security.
It's very sad indeed to hear that small communities like Yenda and Barellan, where residents once left their doors unlocked without a care in the world, have been targeted by heartless criminals.
Something needs to be done.
The community needs to make a stand.
Residents need to become the eyes and ears of the community and report any suspicious activity.
The Area News is considering hosting a public meeting to discuss the issue facing communities in the district.
Do you think a meeting to discuss community safety is a good idea?
Email your thoughts about a meeting to editor@areanews.com.au