The theft of emergency batteries for railway crossing lights in Robertson Rd is an ''unbelievably senseless, selfish act'', Oamaru police say.
The theft in the road leading to Oamaru Airport occurred some time between May 28 and June 4, Community Constable Bruce Dow, of Oamaru, said.
The emergency batteries are used as a backup power supply for the level-crossing lights and alarms in case of a fault or power outage.
The locked box the batteries were contained in appeared to have been kicked open.
Had there been a power outage or fault before the theft was discovered, lives could have been in danger, Const Dow said.
''Endangering public safety is a potential consequence of their actions and we need to track these people down,'' he said.
Anyone with information can contact the Oamaru Police Station on (03) 433-1400.
