What do railway crossing bells, a rooftop tent and a wood splitter have in common?
They are all items that have been stolen in Hawke's Bay in the last few months.
The list also includes a compactor, a cabin and a hydraulic lift.
Senior Constable Pehi Potaka from the Hawke's Bay Police Tactical Crime Unit says it's likely all the items have been stolen to order.
"These are all bulky, heavy items and there would need to be an element of planning to steal them," says Senior Constable Potaka.
He says there has been an increase in burglaries targeting high-value, rural and contractor assets, particularly in Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay.
"These items are often stored in sheds, yards or unsecured outdoor locations and can be removed relatively quickly with a trailer or truck."
Senior Constable Potaka says builders and contractors are also regularly targeted, with their tools stolen.
In the recent incident where bells for railway crossings were stolen from two Whakatau locations, thieves cut into industrial electrical power cables to get the bells.
"Crossing bells are an essential part of public safety and play a huge role in warning people that a train is approaching. The removal of these bells has the potential to cause fatal incidents," says Senior Constable Potaka.
He says meth addiction is often a driver of the crime, with thieves likely to get likely to get a very small proportion of the stolen item's value likely paid in meth.
Senior Constable Potaka is urging the public to call Police if they see anything suspicious or have information on where these stolen items might be.
He is also urging builders, contractors and rural properties to secure their valuable items and lock sheds. He also urges them to record serial numbers of tools and valuable items, and name items.
"A splash of paint is okay on a building site, but not enough if your tools are stolen."
