Old ornate wrought iron gates are being targeted by thieves looking to make a quick buck, Dunedin police say.
Over the past week, five iron gates - including three on Saturday night, were stolen from residential addresses around North Dunedin.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said it appeared a thief or thieves were targeting wrought iron gates, possibly to sell for scrap metal at a later date.
The risk in removing and transporting the heavy iron gates during darkness made it a "low ratio" reward for the thieves.
Gates from Belleknowes, Opoho, Mornington and Maori Hill had been taken over the past week, he said.
Residents who might have seen anyone acting suspiciously were urged to contact Dunedin police, he said.
"We would love to have a lock-up," Snr Sgt Aitken said.
Belleknowes resident Jock Lawrie said his wrought iron gate, with the badge "Alfred Lilly Maclaggan St", was taken last Monday, and he was offering a reward for any information leading to its return.
Scrap metal dealers had told him the gates were worth next to nothing, and it was possible the gates would be sold to other homeowners, he said.
Also without a gate was Opoho resident Tamar Murachver who was surprised to discover the "pretty wrought iron gate" at the bottom of the path had been taken.
"I am sure we can replace it, but it is a little sad to see it gone."
