A safe missing for almost two years has been found with nearly $11,000 still inside in South Otago.
The safe is believed to have been stolen during a burglary three years ago and was found by Department of Conservation staff searching for penguin nests in bush in the Catlins area.
Senior Constable Murray Hewitson, of Owaka, says officers were looking for documents to identify the owner when they discovered $10,850 in a hidden compartment.
Mr Hewitson say it may be impossible to identify the thieves, given the length of time the safe has been lying in the bush.
The safe has been returned to its owner, but some items remain missing, including passports, cash and jewellery.
