Reports from New Caledonia say schools and public services in two northern towns will remain closed this week because of lawlessness.
The website Les Nouvelles Caledoniennes said this follows a weekend theft of a teacher's vehicle and computer as well as damage caused to teacher accommodation in Nakety.
The stoppage also affects Canala.
School transport services have consequently been cancelled.
Communities along the territory's east coast have experienced an upswing in reported crime in recent years.