Home invasion victim locked in cupboard

File photo / NZ Herald

Three men, including one with a weapon, forced their way into a Christchurch home, locked a man in a cupboard, and stole thousands of dollars' worth of electronic gear.

Police say the victim may know at least one of the offenders who burst into his Bishopdale home around 9.15pm last night.

The victim was confronted at his front door by three men, one of whom was armed with a weapon, Detective Sergeant Hamish Wilson said.

After an altercation, the three assailants tried to restrain the man using duct tape.

"This was not successful and the victim was held down on the ground before being shut in a cupboard in another part of the house," Mr Wilson said.

"He was able to free himself after the offenders left. Fortunately he suffered only minor injuries."

Mr Wilson says a number of items of computer and electronic equipment, worth several thousand dollars, were taken from the Raleigh Street address.

It is likely at least one of the offenders was known to the victim, he says.

Investigators are conducting a scene examination at the address today, and other enquiries are under way.

Police are appealing for any information about suspicious activity in the area last night, including any sightings of the alleged offenders.

One of the men is described a male Maori in his early 20s, 176cm (5ft 9in) tall, of solid build. The other two are described as Maori or Polynesian, in their 20s.

"We are also interested in any sightings of a white four-door vehicle that was seen in the vicinity of the incident, and that we believe was used by the offenders to leave the area," Mr Wilson says.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on 03 3637400 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.