Dunedin police have fears family pets are being stolen to order.
A string of pet thefts in the Glenleith area have been reported to police in recent days.
Senior Sergeant Ben Butterfield said four rabbits and a guinea pig had been reported stolen from homes in the area.
Two rabbits were stolen from a Leithton Close address overnight on June 9.
The assailants returned and stole two more the following night.
In a third theft at the address, the cage for the rabbits was stolen on Tuesday night.
A guinea pig from a nearby address in Garden Pl was stolen overnight on Sunday.
"Obviously, this is pretty strange,'' Snr Sgt Butterfield said.
"We suspect someone has targeted these addresses for these animals.
"It's obviously a concern for us that someone is out there taking people's pets.''
The animals were possibly being on-sold.
"We would suspect that because these two lots of animals have been taken in such close proximity that someone is targeting them,'' he said.
"Therefore, we believe that someone must know something about this because these animals have been stolen to order or stolen for purpose.
"This is obviously distressing for the families and children involved.
"It's just odd.''
If any other pets had been stolen people should report the matter to police.
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
