Farmers are being warned to shut their gates and lock their sheds after an increase in summer farm burglaries.
A week ago farm gear including petrol, fencing equipment, and hoof grinders were stolen for a dairy farm in Lumsden near Gore.
Federated Farmers rural crime portfolio leader Rick Powdrell says the thefts are costly to farmers.
"Those smaller items are just a real nuisance factor because your chance of getting them back is very remote," he says.
Mr Powdrell says taking simple preventative steps is the key.
"Burglars like to be in and out. Anything you can do to slow them up is going to make them think twice about striking you," he says.
Mr Powdrell says people who live rurally need to get to know their neighbours and stick together.
Newshub.
