The theft of a bulky set of timber outdoor furniture from an Oamaru business over the weekend is not believed to be a spur-of-the-moment crime, Oamaru police say.
It is believed the Kwila-branded solid timber table and two bench seats were stolen from the rear of accountancy firm McKenzie and Co in Wear St sometime between Friday evening and early Monday morning.
The theft was discovered by staff when they arrived at work on Monday morning.
Senior Constable Bruce Dow, of Oamaru, said given the size of the table, which is about 2m long and 1m wide, it was likely more than one person was involved.
He believed a trailer unit or a vehicle such as a ute or light truck was used to steal the furniture.
''Someone has lifted all three, the table and the seats. It's all big, solid stuff ... You can't just put it in the boot of your car.''
Snr Const Dow said it appeared those responsible for the theft targeted the furniture, as it was not visible from the street.
It was possible the furniture had been stolen to order, or was stolen for someone's ''bach or holiday home'', he said.
Police asked anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in Wear St between Friday night and Monday morning to contact them.
They were also keen to hear from anyone who had been offered similar furniture for a discount price.
-By Daniel Birchfield
