Balclutha police have warned rural property owners to keep property under lock and key.
Sergeant Tim Coudret said there had been three reports of rural theft in the past 10 days.
There had been reports of "suspicious cars" moving around the area late at night on isolated gravel roads, unfamiliar vehicles coming up driveways at odd times and "people knocking on doors in the middle of the day who aren’t known", in particular around the Milton-Waihola area, he said.
"People know there’s valuable stuff out in the country that may not be well secured, so it’s all about vigilance — ensuring locks, lights, security cameras are in place and working to help look after your property."
Police were happy with hunters but disappointed with road users over the opening weekend of duck-shooting season.
Nine people were processed for drink-driving and alcohol-related vehicle offences.
"We made it clear we’d be out in force.
"Unfortunately, some people didn’t take that advice, so we would give the road users of the greater area a failing mark for duck-shooting weekend."
One driver received an instant licence suspension and a court date after being caught driving at 113kmh in Charlotte St — a 50kmh zone.
There was an increase in infringement notices for speed, failure to wear seatbelts and cellphone use, 15 tickets being issued.
