Hawera Police are seeking information after a burglary at a rural Okaiawa property where firearms were stolen in the early hours of this morning.
The occupants of the address were asleep when someone has entered the residence and removed a number of firearms, including a military style semi-automatic firearm.
A large quantity of ammunition and other household items were also taken.
"There are still a lot of details we are working through including how many firearms were taken and the probability that a vehicle was used. Due to the geographical location of the burglary the person or people responsible may have gone either south through to Whanganui or north to New Plymouth," says Detective Byron Reid.
"We are concerned about the firearms falling into the wrong hands and I want to take this opportunity to remind licensed firearms owners to make sure they lock their weapons as required by law to keep them safe from burglars.
"Area canvasses are being completed and we are continuing to make inquiries in an effort to locate the firearms and the person or people responsible for taking them. If anyone saw any suspicious activity in the Okaiawa area between 2:30am and 3:30am I urge you to contact police," says Detective Reid.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Reid on (06) 215 4151. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you think someone has firearms illegally, tell Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously, 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.