Police are warning farmers to lock up their property following a spike in rural burglaries.
Police are seeking the public's help on three rural burglaries near Stirling, Clinton, and Rongahere this week.
Acting Sergeant Blair Corlet, of Balclutha, said there appeared to be a ''seasonal spike'' in rural burglaries.
He said a chainsaw, a red and black welder, and a tool box were taken from an open shed on Cranleigh Rd, Rongahere, sometime during the past two weeks.
The property had a combined value of about $2500.
Constable Andy Denny, of Balclutha, said about $600 worth of tools and machinery was stolen from the workshop at Kowhai Bush Farms on Storer Rd. The tools included a 25-inch chainsaw and a dark green 115mm angle-grinder.
The burglary happened between 5pm on Friday and 8am on Monday.
A red petrol-powered water pump worth $1000 was stolen from a Clinton farm, last weekend. The pump was taken between 6pm on Saturday and 8am on Monday, police said.
Acting Sgt Corlet said it was a timely reminder for rural people, particularly farmers, to make sure equipment was ''locked away''.
Anyone who saw or heard suspicious behaviour in these area, or have been offered items matching these descriptions, is asked to contact Balclutha police (03) 418-0203.
