A 31-year-old man is before the courts following an investigation into the burglary of a Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter at Taieri Airfield last weekend.

In the early hours of Sunday January 12, a bag containing critical medical equipment and supplies was stolen from the rescue helicopter.

Enquiries led Police to execute a search warrant at a Dunedin address yesterday (Wednesday January 15), where the 31-year-old was arrested at the scene.

The man is alleged to have also been involved in two other burglaries in the Dunedin area in the early hours of the morning Sunday January 12.

He is due to appear in Dunedin District Court today (January 16) on three charges of burglary and two charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

On Tuesday (January 14) the head of Helicopters Otago, Graeme Gale, announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the thief. 

"I want two things - I want my bag returned with the equipment in it and I also want the name of this clown that actually did it," Graeme said when announcing the reward.

It is not known at this stage if the reward has been paid.

Police continue to make enquiries into the incidents and further charges are likely.

PHOTO: Wānaka App