Rare museum theft sparks concern for Arrowtown

An Arrowtown museum is warning others in the area to take stock of their possessions.

Police are hunting a woman dressed in a large overcoat who strode into the Lakes Districts Museum on Monday afternoon and stole a large silk kimono.

Her actions were caught on CCTV.

Museum director David Clarke says the woman's methodical approach seems suspicious and he wants others in the area to have a look around.

He says the entire town has very good CCTV coverage so if anything is missing they should also check the tapes.

Mr Clarke says if anyone knows this woman, who appears to be in her 60s, they should go to police.

He says it's the first time in more than 20 years that someone has stolen from the museum.