Thieves stole a key chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine from a Mt Maunganui chemical yard last night.
The offenders were disturbed by staff at the chemical yard about 11.15pm, Detective Matt Valentine of Mt Maunganui police said.
They made off with a large quantity of hypophosphorous acid -- a key compound in the commercial manufacture of methamphetamine.
Mr Valentine said some acid was spilled and it was possible the offenders had chemical burns as a result.
Officers had obtained closed circuit television footage from the facility and were conducting a scene examination.
