Police haul in enormous cache of stolen goods after Manawatu farm thefts

But this go-kart is still missing after a spate of robberies across Manawatu farms. Photo/Police

A large Cat excavator is part of an enormous cache of stolen property netted in police raids after a spate of robberies across Manawatu farms.

Central District Police say five people have been arrested and are facing a range of charges after a number of farms were burgled.

Three properties were searched last week and police recovered a large amount of stolen property.

The haul included a Cat excavator, a Subaru motor vehicle, two trailers and five firearms, which had since been returned to their owners.

However, Whanganui rural response manager Senior Sergeant Greg Hogan said they were still looking for valuable property stolen from farms including an inflatable boat, a ride-on mower, a distinctive painted go-kart, a white Toyota Landcruiser and a dirt bike.

They were also looking for stolen chainsaws, welders and other power tools. Police were appealing to members of the public for help, especially if they had come across people trying to sell these items.

They warned people to be careful if approached and contact police with any information.

Hogan said a huge torque wrench had also been recovered, which police wanted to return to its owner.

"If anyone thinks this may be theirs, or they know someone who has recently had one stolen, we ask them to contact us," said Hogan.

Police were pleased with the outcome of the search warrants.

"This is an excellent result," he said.

"We have not only reunited people with their property, we're holding the appropriate people accountable."

Five people are due to appear in court charged with burglary, firearms and drug-related offences, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property.