Rural residents are urged to be vigilant and secure property, following a spate of thefts around the province.
Fencing equipment, diesel, petrol, chainsaws and livestock have all been targeted in recent thefts from rural properties, Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken said.
A shipping container was forced open at Brighton last weekend and thieves made off with a chainsaw and several litres of petrol and diesel.
Earlier this month, a chain to a gate was cut and 25 sheep were taken from a Taieri property.
Snr Sgt Aitken said similar thefts had been reported over the last few months between Clinton, Milton and Dunedin.
Farm sheds, buildings and unoccupied houses had been entered, with a range of goods and livestock taken.
"We are reminding the public to be vigilant and notify police immediately if they observe any suspicious activity in rural areas," she said.
"If we have the assistance of the public in clamping down promptly on suspicious activity, then hopefully we can stop the crime before it happens."
