Scrap metal is becoming big business for Christchurch thieves as they target business and domestic premises, according to Detective Sergeant Don Fisher, of Christchurch police.
Churches and public buildings, and houses which were often rental properties, were being stripped of hot water cylinders, copper guttering and downpipes, he said.
Dunedin police are getting reports of the odd metal or hot water cylinder theft, but compared with last year when police received reports of scrap metal thefts almost daily, the situation was not "out of hand", Det Sgt Rob Hanna said.
"I guess it's just too cold for criminals in Dunedin at the moment."
Thieves could cause a lot of damage to properties when they stripped items out, Det Sgt Fisher said.
"New houses under construction are being targeted for the new cable and any wiring lying around as the tradesmen work.
"Again these thefts cause a lot of damage and delays in building."
Det Sgt Fisher said Christchurch police recently recovered $12,000 of new cable which had been stripped but could only be sold for scrap value of about $1000.
"The damage caused often far outweighs the value of the property stolen," he said.
Car batteries were also a target for the lead they contain.
Car radiators and batteries were being taken from vehicles in wreckers' yards and those parked on the roadside.
Det Sgt Fisher said several people had been arrested recently and several thousand dollars worth of stolen property recovered.
Members of the public needed to be vigilant.
"Don't leave items lying around where they can be easily seen and if you see a vehicle hanging around a building site, especially after hours, please note the car registration or call police if you are concerned," he said.
"Contractors and builders need to take care they don't leave temptation in the way of thieves, and secure the building site as soon as they can."
Police were meeting scrap merchants so they could work more closely and effectively together.
