Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron said police were concerned at what appears to a deliberate targeting of the victim and the escalation from a washing line theft to the deliberate entry into their home.
The incidents both fall at the end of the school term, however police would not speculate as to whether this was a coincidence or not.
"There are elements to these crimes which are very disturbing not only to the victim but also for the wider Arrowtown community. At this time there appears to be no particular reason why the victim has been singled out and it may be there are other similar incidents that have occurred but gone unreported," Mr Cameron said.
"I would expect that the wider community will be as concerned as police and that people will keep an eye out for suspicious activity not only on their own property but also that of their neighbours - someone has come home with articles of clothing that are foreign to them - we would like to find that person."
Anyone with information should contact Queenstown Police on 03 441 1600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
