Six burglaries or break-ins have been reported in Dunedin and three locations elsewhere in Otago this week.
Acting Senior Sergeant Trevor Thomson, of Dunedin, said two break-ins thought to be linked took place in Belleknowes this week.
Offenders broke into a Lawson St home where they "made a real mess," some time from Monday to Wednesday, he said.
"They've opened every drawer and thrown everything out."
Police were not sure how the offenders gained access to the home.
On Wednesday night, a home in nearby Bellevue St was broken into by forcing open a window. There offenders also disturbed the contents, including food which they stomped into the floor, Acting Snr Sgt Thomson said.
Over the hill in Glenross, a home in Hermond St was also broken into some time from Monday and Wednesday.
"Somebody's entered it by pulling off some boards to a sliding door at the front," police said.
The victim was not sure if anything had been taken.
In Kaitangata, nearly $2000 of fishing gear was taken from an Eddystone St property, Snr Sgt Thomson said.
"An expensive fishing rod, reels and accessories [...] were stolen."
Between April 6 and Wednesday, a bike was taken from outside a Kirkwall St home in Palmerston. Police were following up promising leads.
The sixth and final incident happened in Oamaru, where 3cu m of firewood was taken from outside a Tees St property.
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
