Tens of thousands of dollars worth of construction equipment and materials have been stolen in Canterbury this year.
A digger demolishes part of the Carlton Hotel in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ
Police say with more tradespeople in the region as part of the rebuild, thefts are on the rise.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson said it was disappointing that thieves are targeting rebuild sites but workers could do more to secure their equipment.
The most common thefts are power tools, trailers, generators and diesel fuel.
A digger worth $30,000 was stolen from a locked yard, while $20,000 worth of insulation was stolen from a warehouse.
Mr Anderson said people needed to be wary of buying stolen items advertised on social media sites and online auction websites.