A growing trend for teenagers to wander the streets of Oamaru unsupervised late at night on weekends has prompted a plea for information from the police.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said police had been dealing with several burglaries and thefts from cars recently, particularly in the South Hill area.
A group of young offenders had been dealt with in relation to some of the offending, but Sgt Woodbridge asked for the community's input to help tackle the issue.
He asked members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police, including reports of unsupervised young people wandering the streets after dark.
''We'd like to be called to get those kids off the street and find out what they are up to,'' he said.
''Don't be afraid to ring 111.''
A boat moored in Oamaru Harbour was damaged between July 31 and August 1, offcuts of wood from wharf repairs apparently having been thrown at the boat.
Police said a trend for young people to drink alcohol in the harbour area late at night was an ongoing issue.
On Saturday night, a display and coin boxes at Steampunk HQ were found smashed, after loud banging noises were heard in the area.
The Waitaki Guardians saw a vehicle leaving the area and, as a result of police inquiries, two 18-year-old Oamaru men and a 24-year-old Oamaru woman were being spoken to in relation to the damage.
Charges were likely to be laid, Sgt Woodbridge said.
Three burglaries were reported in Oamaru over the weekend, in Avon, Weaver and Wye Sts. Tools, food and electronic equipment were among the items taken.
Police had also received a report of a supermarket trolley being rammed into the door of an Aln St garage on Sunday.
