Thieves are targeting properties in the Christchurch suburb of Bexley destined for demolition.
"I am disappointed to hear that property has been stolen from the Bexley houses that are currently being cleared," Roger Sutton, chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera), said.
The thieves were taking advantage of the smallest window of opportunity to rip someone off, he said.
"Ultimately, they are ripping off each and every one of us as these are homes that have been purchased through the government buyout," Mr Sutton said.
A complaint has been laid with police and Cera is looking at ways of securing the properties.
Demolition of homes in Seabreeze Close, Waireka Lane and Kokopu Lane in Bexley began this week after their former owners sold their houses to the government and moved.
The area was affected by liquefaction during earthquakes in the city.
NZN