Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten, of Gore, said police were appealing for information following the aggravated burglary at a rural property in Mataura Island Rd early on Tuesday morning.
‘‘At about 6.50am, intruders were disturbed at the property.
‘‘An altercation followed between a victim and an unknown man.
‘‘During the struggle, the unknown man may have sustained an eye injury,’’ he said.
The offenders then fled the property with ‘‘a significant amount’’ of property.
Snr Sgt Iddenten said one alleged offender was described as a man, aged 18-20, gaunt in appearance, with sores on his face, and was wearing a dark hoodie.
He said investigations so far indicated a Mazda Bounty utility was possibly linked to this incident.
‘‘Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area, or who knows someone with a recent eye injury, which may be linked to this incident.’’
He said police would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Mataura Island area from the morning of the offence.
‘‘Police are continuing inquiries to identify and locate those responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please quote reference number 260428/5019.
Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
