A heavy police presence has helped to control a spate of destructive vandalism at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, police say.
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Vendors at the markets were hit by repeated vandalism attacks during July, with cars being burnt out, shop windows smashed and trucks broken into.
There were 24 recorded vandal attacks at the markets and nearby Mildura Street businesses in July, angering local retailers and delivery drivers.
Police responded with targeted patrolling and surveillance of the area by general duties police, Specialist Response and Security teams and traffic operations officers.
The number of vandal attacks in the area has since brought under control over the past month, police said.
Seven incidents were recorded throughout August.
But those who work within the markets remain concerned at the police response.
One truck driver who had his vehicle broken into told The Canberra Times that staff within the markets could take the issue into their own hands, if the vandalism continued.
The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said the police seemed "constrained" in what they could do.
"People were getting a bit fed up, because the police seemed really reluctant to do anything," he said.
"What [the alleged offenders] have been doing is breaking into yards down at the bottom of Fyshwick, near the markets, and attacking the vehicles with golf clubs.
"Everybody knows who they are, and the police know who they are, but there just seems a general reluctance for anyone to do anything."
Jim Murphy's market cellars, Ocean Fresh Seafood and Manuel's Potatoes have all been targeted, as have a number of trucks, utes and vans.
An ACT Policing spokesman said shop owners should immediately report any further acts of vandalism in the area to police, rather than becoming directly involved themselves.
"At the end of the day, while the outcomes of property damage and vandalism are destructive and can cause financial hardship to the business and owner, the safety and wellbeing of a person is paramount over property," the spokesman said.
"If a shop owner sees someone behaving suspiciously, or causing damage to property, we would encourage them to not approach and contact police on 131 444."
