Police are at a loss to explain a surge in petty crime in Dunedin at the weekend.
About a dozen dishonesty offences were reported, with increased criminal activity evident in Fairfield and North Dunedin, Sergeant Steve Aitken said.
It was unclear whether the increase was linked to particular offenders, but police inquiries into the burglaries and thefts were ongoing.
''It's been a slightly steadier weekend than the previous ones and it's a bit unclear why,'' he said.
''There's been a little bit of activity out in Fairfield in the past week or so that's possibly related.''
Properties in the central city and southern Dunedin suburbs were also targeted during the weekend's spree.
Copper piping was stolen from an unoccupied rental property in Middleton Rd, Kew, after the offender smashed a padlock to gain entry under the house, he said.
The basement of a Crammond Ave, Corstorphine, address was also entered after a padlock was smashed.
A burglar also attempted to enter a Maori Rd garage, in central Dunedin, by forcing a padlocked door.
In Forth St, North Dunedin, a female tenant startled a burglar after he smashed the window to the property, Sgt Aitken said.
The man fled after seeing the woman.
He appeared to be a Caucasian in his early 20s with brown hair and wearing Highlanders gear. A 1992 Isuzu Bighorn with the registration number ZH6735 was taken from Council St, St Kilda.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents was asked to contact Dunedin police on 471-4800.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
