The as yet unidentified burglar broke into a Moore St house last week and after creating a mess decided to clean up after themselves - somewhat, Senior Sergeant Liz Waru said.
After turning the house upside down - sometime between Wednesday and Saturday - the person has cooked a meal and washed the resulting dishes.
''The whole house was trashed and turned upside down, but there are dishes which have been cleaned and washed on the bench,'' Snr Sgt Waru said.
About $100 of food was missing from the house.
It did not appear that anything else was taken.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in or near Moore St from Wednesday to Saturday last week or with information that can help should contact Dunedin police on 471-4800.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
