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That is the plea from Squadron 26 (Oamaru) Air Training Corps commander Derek Beveridge, who has had enough of people stealing bags of compost from the squadron's Humber St stall.

On average, about 100 bags are sold from the stall each week, at $5 a bag.

However, in an average week about 25 bags are stolen, which meant the squadron is losing out on hundreds of dollars of badly needed funds.

Squadron 26 (Oamaru) Air Training Corps corporal Liam Hayes (17) and commander Derek Beveridge at the squadron's compost stall in Humber St, where hundreds of bags of compost have been stolen this year. PHOTO: DANIEL BIRCHFIELD

"It regularly goes missing, but it's just been [more] noticeable this growing season ... some 25% of all the compost we put into our stall is stolen."

He estimated "several hundred" bags, packed and delivered by the squadron's members, had been stolen this year alone.

"We do sell compost all-year round, but this is the rush time because the weather's fine. People are in their gardens, so it does pick up markedly ... and will do so for the next few weeks too."

He said offenders were essentially stealing from the more than 20 young people involved with the squadron, who took part in community and commemorative events, such as Anzac Day, each year.

"I'm really hacked off about this, because the money actually collected goes towards helping young people of the town and for the air cadets, camps and tramps, and other bits and pieces we try and do for them," he said.

It meant the group had to work harder to take on other fundraising avenues.

Squadron corporal Liam Hayes (17) said it felt "pretty terrible" to know people were stealing from the squadron.

"To have it getting stolen is not good. It means we can't do the things we need to do."

Mr Beveridge, a former sergeant with the Oamaru police, suspected some compost might be being stolen to grow cannabis.

At least one security camera will be installed to monitor the stall and anyone caught stealing would face prosecution.

Last November, the Otago Daily Times reported money was being stolen from a metal box at the stall, which had since ceased after the box was replaced.

Thefts have been reported to police in the past.