A safe has been found in the Catlins bush, with almost $11,000 inside.
A hole had been cut into the safe and cash, passports, birth certificates and jewellery taken. But it appears burglars missed a second compartment with $10,850, all in $50 and $20 notes.
Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Balclutha, said the safe was found in bush near Nugget Point on Friday afternoon.
Police are appealing for any information to help solve the crime.
A Department of Conservation ranger contacted the police about the safe, but Sgt Dinnissen was unsure if the ranger had found the safe or had been alerted by someone else.
Senior Constable Murray Hewitson, of Owaka, said the safe was believed to have been stolen during the burglary of a South Otago home in November 2010.
An unknown amount of cash was in the safe, along with passports, birth certificates and jewellery. Only the $10,850 has been recovered.
Snr Const Hewitson said the safe's owner gave a good description of the safe and its contents, and his safe keys opened the lock.
"The safe was thrown off the side of the road into the bush.
"Whoever broke into the safe spent a lot of time cutting their way in."
Police were waiting for the results of forensic examination on the safe.
Snr Const Hewitson asked anyone with information about the burglary two years ago, or who knew anything about what happened to the safe, to contact Owaka police.
He also advised people not to store large amounts of cash at home.
