Police discover stolen weapons in Waikato property

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A cache of stolen weapons has been discovered in a search of a rural Waikato property overnight.

Morrinsville police Sergeant Vic Sneddon said officers searched a Waiterimu property and recovered six firearms including one stolen from near Whitianga earlier this month.

"That firearm was taken in a burglary of a Kaimarama address on 17 August and we are currently working to establish the origins and ownership of the other five guns.

"As a result of yesterday's search a man from the Waiterimu property faces burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm charges while a woman faces a charge of receiving stolen goods."

Waikato district firearms officer Richard Plas said yesterday's seizures highlighted the importance of Waikato police's 'Lock em or Lose em' firearms security campaign launched last month.

"Not counting last night's seizures in Hamilton alone we've had about 24 firearms handed in or recovered from people who no longer want the responsibility of owning firearms or have been found not suitable to possess them.

"Other items handed in or recovered include various quantities of ammunition, an inert grenade and various flares."

People who inherited or owned firearms they no longer wanted could voluntarily surrender them to the police or take them to a licensed firearms dealer to arrange their disposal, Mr Plas said.

"Safe, secure firearms use and ownership is something encouraged by police but it comes with quite a bit of responsibility.

"If you find you are no longer able to meet those responsibilities, including safely securing firearms and ammunition, talk to your nearest police station about options available to you."