Thieves broke into a Macclesfield home last weekend and stole 17 paintings belonging to Lorraine Rosenberg, former mayor of the City of Onkaparinga.

Between 1pm on Saturday 20 June and 11am on Sunday 21 June, a home on Edmonds Street at Macclesfield was broken into by forcing open a window.

The 17 paintings, which were on loan, have a total value in excess of $20,000.

Willunga resident Ms Rosenberg posted several photographs of the stolen art on a Fleurieu Facebook page, warning potential buyers to beware of bargains.

“Just had 17 art pieces stolen from Macclesfield. If you get an offer that is too good to be true it probably is.”

The missing art includes many Fleurieu scenes depicted by local artists.

Hills Fleurieu Detectives are investigating the theft and ask anyone with any information about the break-in or the whereabouts of the stolen art work to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.