Farmers who are winter grazing stock are being asked to be vigilant after a spate of electric fence reel thefts from rural properties in Central Southland.

Police said several single and triple reels have been stolen from properties in Drummond, Dipton and Ryal Bush over the last three weeks.

Residents in rural Southland have been asked to remain vigilant if using electric fence reels for winter grazing near roads.

Police said they recommend reels are placed as far away from the roadside as possible and out of the sight of potential thieves.

Victims of theft are urged to contact Police as soon as possible, as this helps build a picture of offending and discover trends.

Any suspicious activity should be reported and if it is happening now, then you should call 111.

Police said they would like to speak to anyone who may have information that could assist in their inquiries into stolen reels.

Anyone with information that may assist Police can contact us by calling 105, or making an online report at 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report”, please reference file number 240704/8171.