Father Murphy was in Dubbo to officiate a wedding on Friday night. On Saturday morning it was discovered five cars in the St Brigid’s Church parking lot, which has sensor lights, had had their windows smashed and their vehicles raided.

Father Murphy said he had money, his licence and holy items stolen, including a sacred oil carrier.

“I was shattered. I found out on Saturday morning and I was shattered, it just wrecked me. How awful is it to happen? Not just to me but to anybody,” he said.

“Parents are not teaching their children, teachers are not teaching their children. Parents are lacking enormously because they're not teaching their children the difference between right and wrong.”

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The priest said he had worked in Dubbo for the past 12 years, but the incident had him considering if he would return.

“We should put an ad in the paper saying ‘don’t come to Dubbo, people will attack you’,” he said.

Father Murphy said it wasn’t the loss of the items which had left him shattered, but what society was saying when crime happens. He said he wanted people to take action and teach children, rather than making excuses.

After discovering his car had been targeted, Father Murphy had to drive to Mudgee with the broken window to conduct a Christening.

Orana Mid-Western Police District has put out a reminder for people to lock their vehicles.

“When you leave your car unattended, even for short periods, close all windows, remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors,” the police said.

“Ensure that you have removed all property from view, especially mobile telephones, clothing, bags and money in consoles when you leave your car.

“Most thefts from motor vehicles are opportunistic. Taking the time to lock your vehicle and remove property from view will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.”

The Orana Mid-West Police District proactively patrols hot spot locations to disrupt criminal offending.

Father Murphy urged anyone with information to come forward.

“If you know someone who could have done it, if you're someone's parent who should have done it, report it. If you happen to be a parent of someone who does something like that take them into the police station,” Father Murphy said.

Anyone with information on the incident should call Dubbo Police Station on 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.