First it was compost, now it is the alleged theft of manure that is causing a stink in North Otago.
Recently, 40 to 50 bags of manure were stolen from the Waiareka Valley Lions Club fundraising stall at the intersection of Saleyards and Weston Rds near Oamaru.
The bags are sold for $5, alongside sawdust priced at $2.50 a bag.
A club member, who did not want to be named, said an attempt was also made to steal a cash box from the stall, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Between 100 and 200 bags of manure are sold each week on average. The club keeps about half of the proceeds for North Otago-based and national projects, the remainder going to schools that help bag the manure.
Compounding the issue was the fact the kind of manure offered was not as readily available as it had been in the past.
"The biggest trouble is there are fewer sheep shearing sheds around to replace it."
Senior Constable Dean Paterson, of Oamaru, said police had identified a vehicle and people of interest, and that inquiries were continuing.
The club member said everyone lost out when thefts happened.
"We are trying to help a lot of the schools and other organisations here ... this does not help anyone."
On August 30, the Otago Daily Times reported a stall in Humber St run by Squadron 26 (Oamaru) Air Training Corps was losing about 25 bags of compost a week to theft.
