Suspicious behaviour and a rise in the number of thefts of baled wool over the past few months in the South Otago region has Balclutha police appealing for information from the public.
Police Detective Kate Bartlett, of Balclutha, said seven wool bales were stolen from a woolshed near Owaka on April 11 or 12.
Six of those were sold to a private buyer in Mosgiel who informed police once he realised they were stolen.
Det Bartlett said the seller was described as a clean-shaven well-spoken Caucasian male in his mid-20s.
He was driving a white two-door Toyota Hilux with wooden flatdeck carrying a distinctive motocross trailer covered in a faded orange and silver canopy.
He had a hooded accomplice who remained in the vehicle during the transaction.
Subsequent to the findings, more people from the district came forward with information about similar incidents, Det Bartlett said.
An Owaka farmer said he was approached in his woolshed by a man wearing a balaclava some time between December and January.
"When he was disturbed by the farmer he offered a story that he was to pick up a wool press advertised online,'' Det Bartlett said.
The male in this instance had also driven a white Toyota Hilux with a trailer but the farmer thought that his vehicle had been a double-cab model.
The male removed his balaclava when speaking, so the farmer was able to provide a description of him.
He was a Caucasian in his 30s, about 1.75m (5ft 9 inches) tall.
He had a distinctive circular neck tattoo about "the size of an apple cut in half''.
There have been four reports of stolen wool in the Clutha District and three in the Southland and Gore area this year.
A group of people were seen acting suspiciously in a white truck on March 2 at Old Coach Rd around the time wool bales were stolen from a property there.
Det Bartlett said police were investigating the incidents.
They were appealing to the public for any information, particularly about anyone who might fit the descriptions.
Det Bartlett advised farmers to securely lock up any wool bales. Depending on wool quality, the average bale could be worth $600.
Buyers should identify all sellers and be wary of suspicious behaviour.
● Balclutha Police (03) 418-0203, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
