I don't know about shrunk, but a few noticeable empty pockets would make sense. Certain areas would probably have more interesting/useful wreckage than others, or maybe clearing certain areas wouldn't hinder the cover around a base and would still contribute to keeping up the appearances...
As an added benefit, if NPC patrols are also removed from such a pocket, it can make a good RPing spot or sparring ground - I found a spot in Sigma-13 kinda like that, though there are occasional Corsairs and it's in the cloud rather than the debris, but you get the idea.