Guns and stolen goods found after police raids

Five people have been arrested after a series of police raids in Manawatu where officers found stolen goods and firearms.

Three properties were searched last week after a spate of burglaries in the Halcombe and Feilding areas, with a large quantity of stolen goods recovered at the sites being returned to owners.

The charges laid against the five people range from burglary, firearms and drug related offences, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property.

Rural response manager for Whanganui Senior Sergeant Greg Hogan said he was pleased with the outcome. ‘‘This is an excellent result. ‘‘We have not only reunited people with their property, we’re holding the appropriate people accountable.’’

The returned property included a Cat excavator, a Subaru motor vehicle, two stolen trailers and five firearms.

‘‘We have also located a very large torque wrench, and we want to return this to whoever owns it.

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

Police would also like to hear from anyone who had information about the location of the following stolen items: Aquapro 1401 inflatable boat, Husqvarna CTH1736 ride on mower, a go-kart, a white 2004 Toyota Landcruiser flat deck motor vehicle and a Honda CRF150 dirt bike.

‘‘It would be nice to locate that further outstanding property,’’ Hogan said.

‘‘This might jog someone’s memory.’’

The go-kart was taken from a Halcombe Rd property near Feilding, while the Toyota Landcruiser was believed to still be in the Halcombe or Feilding area.

Hogan encouraged people in rural areas to call in any suspicious activity.

‘‘If they are able to get registrations or descriptions, get that information through to us.’’

In addition, police were still seeking stolen chainsaws, welders and other power tools.

Any information about these items could be provided to local police or to the Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.