A Dunedin man accused of taking a haul of items, including a dryer and sofa, from a garage in Caversham claimed there was a "free garage sale" sign outside.
Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said the man was alleged to have rummaged through a garage on Thorn St.
He is alleged to have taken a dryer, sofa, chilly bin and four tyres.
Despite claiming there was a "free garage sale" sign outside the property, he was arrested and the items were recovered and returned to their owner.