Thieves targeting a South Otago farm last month deliberately drove into a flock of sheep, killing four animals, police say.
Burglaries at rural properties in the South Otago area have been on the rise in recent weeks and police are seeking help from the public to identify the offenders.
Two separate burglaries were reported at a farm on Beacon Hill Road, Wairuna last month.
During the first incident, on May 19, a vehicle entered the paddock, driving towards a number of sheep before intentionally colliding with several of them and killing four.
A week later, on May 25, the same property was entered, and bales were damaged with a tool causing them to spoil.
Two farms were targeted last week, with fences and gates damaged to gain entry to the property,
On Whiteside Road, more bales were damaged at a farm, and electric fence reels were stolen from a paddock on Waipahi Highway.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Waipahi area recently, or from anyone with information on the incidents in Wairuna last month. This includes sightings of suspicious vehicles or people.
Police can be contacted by calling 105, or online at 105.police.govt.nz.
If people witness suspicious or unusual activity, they are urged to call 111 immediately.
