Canterbury police who have been unable to catch slippery fugitive William Stewart are now appealing to him to give himself up.

Stewart, 47, has been on the run for nearly two months since he allegedly threatened a police officer with an iron bar in central Canterbury on February 10 before disappearing into bush.

There are five warrants out for his arrest and he is thought to have committed a string of burglaries and car thefts while on the run.

Police say he is dangerous and unpredictable and should not be approached by the public.

Senior Sergeant Stewart Munro, sub area commander of Selwyn police district, today urged Stewart to give himself up, either through his lawyer or at any police station.

Police believed Stewart was in the Lake Coleridge village area, 107km west of Christchurch, last Thursday night and Friday morning.

They think he had moved 92km south to the Hinds area, near Ashburton, yesterday.

"Both these instances were as a result of possible sightings by members of the public," Mr Munro said.

He urged residents of rural Canterbury, including townships, to ensure that they did not leave keys in vehicles or vehicles insecure, and that they locked house doors and windows at night or when away from the house.

Stewart was committing burglaries in the rural areas on business premises and homes, Mr Munro said.

Stewart left a calling card at a Teddington farm two weekends ago, The Press reported today.

Stewart, who broke into the farm's smoko room and helped himself to a meal, had carved his thanks into the dining table.

"Thanks guys, Billy the Hunted One," he wrote.

Mr Munro said it was believed Stewart was still in the possession of a stolen 2008 model grey Toyota Hilux with wellside deck. Its registration number was ETU351.

"Police urge any sightings of this vehicle or Stewart be reported immediately to police by 111," he said.

"Do not approach him. He is believed to be dangerous and unpredictable."