Nicholas Steepe said the attacks on his car were increasing in frequency and last week it was hit on three separate nights.

The 20-year-old working hard to make his way in the world said he was at a loss about what he could do to stop the deliberate punctures that had already cost him about $700.

Yesterday Dubbo police said they had received 20 reports of damage to tyres in August alone, that it was occurring in South Dubbo and that the increase was “concerning”. 

Mr Steepe said he understood from a tyre dealer that 20 motorists in the wider South Dubbo area had similar experiences to his, but he said other cars close to his home had escaped.

“Mine is the only one,” he said.

“Eight tyres in three months - it feels like I am being targeted.”

Mr Steepe said he did not know why anyone would go after his car. 

“I don’t believe I have made someone that angry to make them stoop that low and continue to do this - putting a financial burden on me,” he said.

The damage that is proving a drain on the wallet of Mr Steepe, who works in the community services mental health field and is studying a Bachelor of Social Work, began three months ago.

He noticed he had a flat tyre and when he went to the tyre store they said it had been punctured on purpose.

The three most recent occasions alone caused Mr Steepe to have to buy four new tyres, costing $80 to $90 each, and it was taking its toll.

“There’s nothing worse than driving to work and realising you have a flat tyre and having to change it and being late,” he said.

“I wake up every morning wondering if I have to fork out $90 and be late to work.

“It’s unnecessary money and time I have to spend going to get a new tyre.”

Mr Steepe said he had reported the incidents to police and called on them to step up efforts to deter the one or more perpetrators from striking again.

Mr Steepe said he was “honestly at a loss” about what he could do.

“The only thing is save up and buy some kind of deterrent, a light or a camera that can capture them,” he said.

“I can’t exactly pack up and move to (a place with) more secure parking.”

Inspector Brad Johnston said tyre slashing was not a usual crime in Dubbo and that 20 incidents was unusually high.

“It has been increasing, it is localised in the South Dubbo area and it is concerning,” he said.

He said they had reason to believe a number of similar incidents had not been reported and encouraged victims to inform police.

“We’re increasing proactive patrols at nighttime of the area,” he said.

“We’d like to encourage people to report these incidents to police.

“It will help us to map where it is occurring and allocate appropriate resources.

“We’re seeking assistance from the public for any information.”