Wanaka police have increased patrols at Lake Hawea and are planning a letter drop to residents after several reports of a prowler and property being stolen in the town during the past few weeks.
Last week, more than $4000 worth of property and cash was taken from a house in Mary Lane by a burglar who had probably gained entry through an unlocked door, Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said.
In mid-August, several items were taken from a carport in Capell Ave, and there had been at least two recent reports of a prowler at properties in Noema Tce and Bodkin St.
''That's quite a bit of activity for the last two to three weeks,'' Snr Sgt Grindell said.
''It's only four events but it's a lot for Lake Hawea.''
Police planned to carry out a letter drop in the town this week with the intention of raising awareness of the incidents and reminding residents about ''simple crime prevention'', such as locking doors and keeping an eye out for suspicious behaviour.
''High-visibility patrols'' by police officers were also being carried out in the area.
''In Lake Hawea you can go for months without any issues at all, so there's someone out there who's obviously a criminal and picking on easy targets.''
