‘Stolen’ guns found in audit

A clerical error led to police thinking two guns had been stolen from the Palmerston North police station on Anzac Day, when the firearms had actually been returned a week before the burglary.

Eleven firearms were identified as stolen from the Palmerston North police station on Anzac Day morning. Police said someone entered the station via an open door, forced their way into a room and took the guns.

Eight guns were quickly recovered and Alan James Harris, 38, was arrested and charged with burglary. He is yet to enter a plea.

The burglary prompted a nationwide audit into firearm security at police stations and, in an embarrassing saga for police, acting Central District commander Chris De Wattignar confirmed two guns thought to be outstanding were found as part of an internal audit. ‘‘The two firearms police had believed were stolen had been returned to an agent of the owner on 18 April. The hard copy form detailing this had been misplaced.’’

De Wattignar said police were focused on finding the remaining gun.

He said steps had been taken about security at the Palmerston North police station. Following the audit, police stations were graded as average, good or excellent for the storage and security of non-police weapons, but police could not provide specific figures or grades for ‘‘operational security reasons’’.

De Wattignar said Harris’ case continued through the court and police had told the prosecution and defence about the single missing firearm.

Police were now working on a new exhibit management system, separate to the audit, to prevent future mistakes in firearm storage. All exhibits, including firearms, will be managed centrally.

‘‘The burglary of the Palmerston North police station in April was a very disappointing incident for police. But it led to the audit which now gives us certainty, and a plan for ongoing improvement,’’ police deputy commissioner districts John Tims said.

Police said most sites had robust security and storage for firearms in their custody, but improvements were required in some areas.

‘‘Police has a duty to New Zealanders to ensure our stations are secure,’’ Tims said.

They found ‘‘a good, but variable’’ picture, where staff had a high level of knowledge, but in some instances the levels of physical storage or security varied.

‘‘There are some places where upgrades or improvements are needed, and those are being undertaken as a matter of priority.’’

Upgrades included improving secure locations, upgrading alarms and installing CCTV.

‘‘The two firearms police had believed were stolen had been returned to an agent of the owner.’’ Chris De Wattignar