Safety in rural areas is under the spotlight after an aggravated robbery in rural Bay of Plenty.
Police were called to a rural property in Reporoa, near Rotorua in the early hours of Monday morning.
- Police think rural property targeted by armed men
- Canterbury police renew calls for vigilance in rural communities
A man had been hit across the body with a baseball bat and threatened with a firearm by three men.
Firearms, ammunition, and electronic items were stolen, while the victim received only minor injuries .
Police think the property may have been targeted, but say such incidents serve as a valuable reminder to keep rural properties secure, and to ensure valuables are kept out of sight.
"Lock doors and windows overnight, and make sure auxiliary buildings and vehicles are also secured," a spokesperson said.
"Sensor lights can be an excellent deterrent to those coming onto a property."
Keeping a detailed inventory of all personal valuables and household and business equipment, including model and serial numbers, inscriptions, and other identifying features is also advised.
"Rural New Zealand has a reputation for tight-knit, supportive communities, you can help to keep safe by knowing your neighbours, exchanging contact phone numbers and keeping those numbers handy."
Meanwhile investigations into the Reporoa robbery are continuing.
Newshub.
