Routine stop leads to stolen guns

A routine vehicle stop in Whakatane has led police to a Kawerau house, where stolen firearms and ammunition were found.

Eastern Bay of Plenty police searched the house, which had links to gang activity, finding firearms and boxes of ammunition on Sunday.

Some of the firearms and ammunition were identified as stolen.

Police were led to the house after inquiries were made on Saturday regarding stolen property found during a routine vehicle stop in Whakatane.

A 26-year-old man will appear in court charged with burglary and a 51-year-old man will appear on charges of receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a pistol.

Eastern Bay of Plenty police Inspector Sandra Venables said staff were committed to getting on top of the offending occurring in our communities.

"We make no apology for maintaining the pressure on known gang members and their associates.

"Burglaries continue to be an issue in our area and experience shows us many gang members have an ongoing involvement in a range of crimes, including burglaries, stolen vehicles and drugs."

Police are continuing their inquiries.