However, the claims have been refuted by Daylesford Police Sergeant Andrew Guiney.

A newsletter from the Hepburn Regional Tourism Association's Daylesford & District Business Group said there had been a spate of recent break-ins and burglaries of several significant businesses in the area.

"It appears that thieves seize the opportunity provided by a lack of police presence in Daylesford after midnight," it said.

"We all resolved that we are not prepared, as a group, to jeopardise the progress being made by new and existing businesses in the area."

The group said it would write to Victoria's Assistant Commissioner of Police and local Members of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Sgt Guiney said Daylesford Police provided a good response time, were available after hours and had reduced the crime rate by 30 per cent from last financial year.

"People often have perceptions not based on fact," he said.

"Daylesford has a very good arrest rate, which is a reflection on how hard the uniform police work here - and the back-up we receive from the CIU at Bacchus Marsh."

Sgt Guiney said he had not been contacted by HRTA's business arm but would be happy to talk them through the real crime figures.

"This is a very safe state and a very safe country but the only way to be 100 per cent safe from crime is to build a castle with a moat around it.

"Any town in country Victoria can be a soft target at 4am or 5am."