Police recover eight of 11 firearms stolen from Palmerston North police station

Alan James Harris
Suspected gun thief Alan James Harris has been remanded in custody. Photo credit: NZ Police

Police have found eight of the 11 firearms that were stolen from the Palmerston North police station.

The guns were taken during a burglary on Thursday morning, prompting a manhunt for suspected thief Alan James Harris. The 38-year-old was arrested on Saturday and charged with burglary, and has been remanded in custody until May 21.

On Sunday police recovered eight of the stolen firearms in Palmerston North, including one weapon that is now illegal as a result of the Government's new semi-automatics ban.

Of the three firearms still missing, two are older guns and one is a BB gun. These weapons were not covered under the new legislation, but police say they were either awaiting destruction or being held as exhibits.

Acting Central District Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart says finding the weapons is still a high priority for local police.

"The investigation team has worked tirelessly throughout the weekend and they will continue to do so."

She urges anyone with information about the stolen firearms to contact Palmerston North Police on 0800 351 3600 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newshub.