Police are hunting for at least five rifles and ammunition after a burglary in the Ohariu Valley in Wellington over the weekend.
Detective Sergeant Martin Todd said the break-in took place sometime between 3pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
"Several weapons including Bruno brand Rifles, semi-automatic Ruger
brand Rifles and .22 calibre ammunition were taken," Mr Todd said.
He said the exact number of guns stolen was not yet known.
Mr Todd said the bolts to the guns were not stored separately to the weapons, a requirement by law.
It was not clear if the owners of the firearms would face any disciplinary action as a result. Mr Todd said police were still considering the implications of how the guns were stored.
He said the guns were locked away and the gun cabinet forced open by the burglars.
Mr Todd said the burglary was a real concern for the public and police.
He appealed to anyone who saw vehicles or other suspicious activity in the Takarau Gorge Road area to call police on 0800 847 633.
"It is a timely reminder to all firearms license holders to store their firearms, bolts and ammunition separately, all in areas that can be secured," Mr Todd said.
In a separate incident, over 100 firearms were reported missing from a Hot Water Beach property in the Coromandel, last July.
Only a handful of the original arsenal have been recovered by police which originally included five submachine guns, 113 pistols and three military-style semi-automatic rifles.
Police have since charged the owner of the Hot Water Beach property and allege that he illegally sold the weapons.
Mr Todd said police had alerted gunshops about the latest burglary in case the offenders tried to sell them.
- NZHERALD STAFF
