Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks marketing manager Danielle Cooney told The Macleay Argus that too many of the parks' patrons had their belongings stolen during the holiday period.

“Caretakers have advised that it’s the worst they’ve had at South West Rocks and Crescent Head for a long time with issues also experienced at Stuarts Point,” Ms Cooney said.

When asked how theft could be alleviated at the holiday parks, Ms Cooney said CCTV may assist in identifying offenders, and more police presence may stop the thefts.

“We are working closely with council to try to find solutions to the issue,” Ms Cooney said.

“Unfortunately I don’t think the local police station has the man-power to deal with these sort of issues when they have more urgent and serious matters to attend to on a regular basis.”

Acting Commander Tony Joice from the Mid North Coast Police Local Area Command said police were deployed around the clock in as many areas throughout the command as effectively as possible.

“These areas include Crescent Head and South West Rocks and particularly over holiday periods,” Commander Joice said. 

“Police make high visibility patrols of holiday parks to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour during the day and night.”

Kempsey Shire Council, which owns the holiday parks, said the safety and well-being of holiday-makers was a high priority.

“Historically, the parks have been patrolled by security staff during busy times; however, there may be other security methods we could also utilise,” council's Economic Sustainability manager Susannah Smith said.

“For this reason, council staff, in partnership with the caravan parks' contract managers, are currently investigating CCTV as a possible option, including costs, new technologies and any relevant privacy legislation we need to be aware of.”