Greymouth police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following an unusual burglary at Runanga, near Greymouth, last week.
A vacant house on Ranfurly St had its windows chainsawed out and removed around last Friday, along with some interior fixtures.
Greymouth sergeant David Cross said the burglary was reported on Monday and inquiries were ongoing.
Cross said most of the windows had been removed from the house and someone must have heard or seen something, given the chainsaw noise.
"We would be very keen to have any information which would lead us to the person responsible for that," he said.
The house was empty at the time.
"It was due to be burned down by the fire brigade for a training exercise," he said.
Runanga Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Gavin Gibbens said while the brigade had been contacted about potentially using the empty house for future fire training purposes nothing had been confirmed - including if it might be suitable.
Meanwhile, police are also appealing for any information following the burglary of a Kumara Junction property on Tuesday.
Mr Cross said the occupant of the property arrived home on Tuesday evening to find their residence had been ransacked.
Numerous items including camera equipment and jewellery were missing.
Anyone with information about either of the two burglaries - including suspicious looking vehicles in those areas - can contact police at the Greymouth station or anonymously via the Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.
- Hokitika Guardian
