Thefts of copper have risen sharply in Northland this year, police say.
They say there have been 18 such thefts since January - including a recent one where the thieves stripped a community hall of its copper piping.
Vacant houses, sports complexes and farm-sheds in remote areas are being plundered for their copper wiring and hot-water cylinders, as well as the pipes.
Police say rural people in particular should keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, especially unknown cars driving up and down the road.
