The Central Otago District Council will review its security after expensive video-conferencing equipment was stolen from its Dunorling St offices.
A video-conferencing camera and computer hub were taken from the council's chambers during the weekend.
It appeared those responsible broke a window through which the equipment could be seen.
Nothing else was taken.
Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said in the 20-odd years the council had used the building he could not recall another break-in.
"I expect we will have a bit of a security review.
"It's an opportunity to test whether our security is sufficient . . . perhaps we need better lighting around the building."
The video-conferencing equipment was bought by the council last year for more than $10,000 - the price could have been as high as $15,000.
Since then it had been used almost weekly, predominantly for community board meetings.
Dr Macpherson said he and other council staff based in Alexandra were able to "attend" meetings in Roxburgh, Ranfurly and Cromwell by using the equipment.
It saved on the cost and time associated with travelling throughout Central Otago's main centres and members of the public sometimes also use the equipment.
Dr Macpherson said the stolen equipment was covered by insurance, although he was not sure whether it would be worth claiming, as the council's excess was "quite high".
"I'm sure we would replace it if we did not get it back," the Mayor told the ODT.
Whoever took the equipment would not be able to use it without the rest of the system, which was left behind at the council.
"The camera and computer hub are pretty much disabled without the other stuff, and I imagine they would be hard to sell because there's not much of a market for that specific equipment," Dr Macpherson said.
Senior Constable Mike Colligan, of Alexandra, said police were investigating the theft.
"The equipment can't be sold and can't be used, so the best thing [those responsible] could do is give it back," he said.
