Residents of a quiet Auckland street have been left shaken after robbers armed with a taser demanded money in what police believe is a case of mistaken identity.
Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Baldwin of Auckland City Police said the aggravated burglary happened around 12.45pm in Smale St, in the beachside suburb of Pt Chevalier.
"Two offenders entered the property armed with a metal bar and a taser, allegedly seeking a person known to them. One offender has remained in the vehicle," Baldwin said.
"Police believe this may have been an erroneous attack at the address and would like to speak with anybody who has any information about the burglary."
A neighbour told Fairfax the residents arrived home yesterday to find the burglars breaking into their home.
"One offender was in the car, one had a taser telling them not to move or try to call anyone, while the other offender crowbarred their front door open as the neighbours didn't want to open up their house," she told Fairfax.
"The thieves told them that they were looking for Tony who owed them $40,000 and had knocked on two other neighbouring properties."
Two of the offenders were described as being of Maori of Pacific Island descent and of medium build.
One was wearing a black hoody and long dark coloured pants and was approximately 170cm tall. The other was wearing a grey hoody with dark pants.
Fairfax reported they made off with passports, cash and other valuables.
Police do not know what type of taser was presented, Baldwin said.
"Tasers are restricted weapons and not readily available in NZ. Possession of a taser is illegal.
"Police have from time to time encountered other crimes where a taser has been presented, though this reasonably uncommon."
No one has been arrested and inquiries are continuing, he said.
Anyone with information can call police on 09 302 6400 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.