And thieves targeting farmers are becoming sophisticated and using latest technology to study their targets.
A South Canterbury farmer revealed last week that his neighbour had all the gates stolen off a farm fence he just recently replaced.
The theft happened on Sunday night, 24 hours after a drone flew over the area.
The farmer says thieves are using drones to see what they can steal, observe vehicle and people movement and also keep a lookout while a burglary is in progress.