That's the opinion of one local businessman, John Meldrum.

He said stopping thieves and vandals should be a priority.

Mr Meldrum's business was targetted with a serious break-in six months ago, and a number of lesser events since then.

"It's taken us six months to catch up from that major attack, but it hasn't stopped the spate of minor events. Every event sets us back.," Mr Meldrum said.

"That's just our experience. Every week now we hear of some business suffering a break-in. Something is going to give.

"Either we get some real support from police, or people will start taking things into their own hands."

Mr Meldrum is critical of recent reports by member for Oxley Andrew Stoner, who said Wauchope now has a new police officer.

"Where does Mr Stoner get off saying we now have a new police officer for Wauchope," he said.

"We got nine new police officers recently, but they are to serve the entire Mid North Coast Area Command.

"There is no longer any such thing as police being posted to a single town, and I assume Mr Stoner knows that."

Mr Meldrum said the town is obviously hurting, but nothing appears to be being done to turn the tide.

He cites blatant destruction to businesses, taking place openly in front of security cameras.

"The undesirables are out of control and getting worse. They know the system works in their favour," Mr Meldrum said.

"Where is the old time system where they would be penalised and shamed?

"Where should we look for support when even the security service apparently sees nothing. Perhaps we should be thinking about alternatives to protect the town."

Mr Meldrum has also questioned the role of the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"What is the Chamber doing for the business people of Wauchope?"

"Perhaps it is time for a new business owner group, whose priority is to the business owners of this town, and who could jointly fund a security service for the CBD.

"A police officer on duty during the ugly hours from midnight to 4am would be a good start," Mr Meldrum said.

"Mr Stoner, your back yard is in trouble but all you can do is feed us spin."

We contacted Andrew Stoner's office for a comment but we did not receive a reply at the time of going to print. When we receive a comment, we will publish a response from Mr Stoner.