Hi Bazz,
you are more likely to get robbed in the city. Most gold fields folk are warm, friendly and inviting and extremely helpfull.
Was talking to Cairnspom the other day, he ran out of fuel not far out of Laverton. A vehicle pulled over to see if he was okay and called up for help. A mines service truck responded and while Pom just wanted a few litres to get him into town, they filled his whole tank and begrudgingly excepted a slab of beer or money for a slab of beer. Pom can tell the story correctly
if he escapes when he returns.
Yes stuff does go missing in van parks, so don't leave your gear out. Camp kitchens and fire pits are great places to meet and socialise with like minded folk. But there are a few who will use these areas and befriend you to gain your confidence. Don't flash your finds about, or be careful who you show. Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle just as you wouldn't in a city.
Stations do have a bit of a problem, mainly theft of tools, fuel and solar gear plus vandalism during prospecting season, and it is prospectors as we often have the video footage to prove it.
A neighbouring station has a big problem with some of the indigenous folk where as we don't. The difference being we treat them with the same respect we like to be treated with.
Towns can get a bit loud at night, usually alchohol related but nothing to really worry about.
On the whole, with a bit of common sence you will not have a problem at all.