Thieves are targeting Christchurch homes being demolished in the badly quake-hit suburb of Bexley.
Demolitions of red-zoned homes bought by the Government started in the suburb this week with 11 properties in Seabreeze Close, Waireka Lane and Kokopu Lane.
But property from some homes in the area has been stolen, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) chief executive Roger Sutton said.
A complaint has been lodged with police who were investigating.
Cera staff were meeting police and contractors to ensure the properties were properly secured, Mr Sutton said.