Southland farmers are being urged to take precautions with security.
With longer days and calving, lambing and milking keeping farmers busy, Southland police are asking the rural community to look out for one another.
Criminals were likely to take advantage of any lapse in security on farms and police "need the public to help us by being our
eyes and ears", Senior Sergeant Cynthia Fairley, of Gore, said.
"Importantly, we ask residents to not put themselves in danger or take the law into their own hands if confronted by offenders, but to instead contact police."
Police advised rural residents to install alarms and sensor lighting at home, lock valuable items away and lock houses, photograph and register details and serial numbers of important items and not post too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans.
Fuel, firearms, tools, and vehicles were all targets for thieves. Neighbourhood support groups could be useful at this time.
