Thief stole $500 of frozen whitebait

The whitebait was the only item stolen, from a freezer in the kitchen area. Photo / File

A Cobden resident arrived home yesterday morning to find their house had been burgled, with the theft of about $500 of frozen whitebait from a freezer.

The burglary at the upper end of Bright Street happened some time between 6am and 9am.

Senior sergeant Paul Watson, of Greymouth police, said the thief had to have known the occupant was away.

The whitebait was the only item stolen, from a freezer in the kitchen area.

The whitebait burglar had forced a slightly ajar window to gain entry, but it would have taken "a bit of effort".

"We will be seeking information about anyone who has come into possession of a large amount of frozen whitebait," Mr Watson said.

"The interesting thing is when the offender went in there they let the occupant's dogs out."

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Bright Street area yesterday morning, or information about the missing whitebait is asked to contact the Greymouth Police Station or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.