Police on lookout for acid burglars

A man who turned up at a medical centre with a chemical burn is being spoken to by police after the theft of 100 litres of deadly acid from a Mt Maunganui chemical company.

Police have few clues after burglars stole 20 litres of hydrofluoric acid and 80 litres of hydrochloric acid from an Orica Chemnet storage facility in Mt Maunganui about 1am on Sunday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Madden said they received a phone call from a Mt Maunganui doctor's surgery where a man with suspected chemical burns turned up yesterday, but left before being treated.

"We had a phone call where a gentleman turned up to a doctor's surgery with a chemical burn to his hand and he's being spoken to now."

Mr Madden said they located the man yesterday morning, but he suspected the acid responsible might be a different type.

He said they believe the chemicals were stolen to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine or P.

Both chemicals stolen are considered dangerous.

Police said the hydrofluoric acid, used to make microchips, frosted glass and to clean metals, was lethal in very small amounts and should only be handled by trained people wearing safety gear.

Anyone who came into contact with the acid would feel no pain for about 30 minutes, after which pain would be extreme and could kill them.

The acid destroyed tissue, decalcified bone and poisoned the nervous system.

The acid had a slightly opaque appearance, and was kept in a clearly labelled container.

Anyone who might have come into contact with the acid should call an ambulance immediately.

Mr Madden said he had no concerns about the security of the premises it was stolen from.

The burglars are believed to have used bolt cutters on a wire fence and the locked cage where the acid was stored.

- NZPA