Police are appealing for help to track down thieves who have stolen thousands of dollars worth of wool from Southland farms in recent weeks.
Many wool bales weighing 150kg each had been taken from woolsheds and farm sheds from ''all over Southland'' between mid-November and Christmas, Senior Sergeant Maggie Windle, of Invercargill, said.
Two people had already been arrested in connection with the thefts but Snr Sgt Windle believed others were also involved.
''More than one person would be needed to lift them.
''They would need a truck with a hoist, or a flat deck truck, or a vehicle and a horse float.''
She did not know the total number of bales stolen. Police were asking farmers to check their wool stocks and report any missing bales.
Police were appealing for help now because some farmers might be returning from holiday. Most of the thefts had happened at night, she said.
There had also been reports of farmers receiving ''non-speech'' telephone calls, which police believed were from thieves checking to see if anyone was home.
''We would not be surprised if more wool has been stolen which we haven't heard about yet.''
Rural residents were also being asked to report any suspicious vehicles or strangers, she said. Most Southland farmers grow cross-bred wool, which is worth about $500-$600 a bale at present.
Wool is mainly sold at auction, with a small amount sold directly to wool and dag merchants.
Snr Sgt Windle said the wool-buying fraternity was very small and police were working closely with buyers.
Most bales carried distinctive markings.
Anyone with information was asked to phone Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111, or Detective Sergeant Grant Johnstone at the Invercargill police station, (03) 211-0400. allison.beckham@odt.co.nz
