And any fellow residents with any knowledge that could help police catch and prosecute the perpetrators should reach for the phone.

On a weekend which saw two events attract about 4000 people of all ages to the city for a good time, criminal elements went on a spree in the area around the Dubbo Regional Theatre smashing car windows, breaking in and stealing goods.

Police have not released details on how many cars were involved but unconfirmed reports said as many as 20 were hit.

Patrons - some from out of town - left the theatre after an evening's entertainment to find the trail of damage left by the thieves - certainly not a good end to a night out and, for victims, an expensive aftermath.

The costs will run into thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement of stolen goods. Even if covered by insurance, there is the burden of inconvenience and the thought it could happen again anywhere, anytime.

There have been similar attacks on parking areas in the city. This is one of the biggest. It was not an opportunistic crime and was surely carefully planned and executed.

The perpetrators would not care about the impacts of their actions on others, the community or the city's reputation.

When caught, the sentences should be tough enough to ensure they start to.