The young men must have thought they were on to a good thing when they found a laptop, webcam, inverter and car battery set up in a temporary gallery in Montecillo Park last Friday.
Unfortunately, for them, their act was being filmed and streamed live to a Dunedin art gallery.
The installation was part of an art project, ''Dual < > Jewel'', involving the Dunedin Public Library, Blue Oyster Project Art Space and a former Department of Parks and Recreation storage shed, which was chosen for its unusual location.
''The camera filmed all engagements with the space. It was intensively documented,'' artist Kelly O'Shea said this week.
''The equipment was taken by two young guys walking two dogs at 1.30pm on Friday. The dogs, in particular, are quite identifiable.''
The theft occurred despite a sign in the ''Jewel Gallery'' informing visitors they were being recorded.
''They looked at the sign and then they still climbed up on the roof and took everything. It took them all of eight minutes,'' Ms O'Shea said.
''I've reported the theft, but I haven't shown the police the video yet. This installation was meant to have a life of its own and my feeling is there should be an amnesty. If they return the stuff, there are no hard feelings and it's just part of the show,'' she said.
Video of the theft is now being shown on a loop at the Blue Oyster.
The installation is open until October 26 from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, and 11am to 3pm, on Saturdays.
A free shuttle bus travels from the Blue Oyster to the ''Jewel Gallery'' site from noon to 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
