Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police Criminal Investigation Unit, said that in the early hours of January 30 the 19 and 20-year-olds were drinking at Lake Pertobe when they were alleged to have conspired to enter the Surf Side Caravan Park and steal goods.

He said the men were all alleged to have entered the park and three men stolen three surf boards and a Nintendo DS from a caravan while the occupants were asleep.

Another man was alleged to have stolen a scooter and two others an Esky containing a crayfish.

"As a result of a victim seeing his own surfboard last Monday police were alerted and an investigation launched," Detective Senior Constable Hughes said.

"Six Warrnambool and district men were arrested and all made admissions to entering the caravan park with the intent of stealing goods knowing the caravan occupants would be asleep. The goods valued at $3500 were most were recovered," he said.

The men were charged and released on bail to appear in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on November 22.

Port Fairy police are also investigating the theft of a firearm at a rural property.

Senior Constable Glenn McDuff said a .22 calibre rifle was stolen during the past few days after a locked cabinet in a garage was forced open.

"Fortunately the owner of the property on the Port Fairy-Hamilton Road properly stored the ammunition and bolt away from the firearm which renders the rifle inoperable," he said.

"If anyone finds the rifle we would ask that it be handed in as the thief may have discarded the weapon when they worked out it doesn't work," he said.

Anyone with information about the rifle burglary and theft is requested to contact the Port Fairy police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.