Desperate manhunt is underway after 11 guns are stolen from a POLICE STATION
- Eleven firearms were stolen from Palmerston North police station, New Zealand
- Manhunt is on for alleged offender, Alan James Harris, 38, who fled the scene
- Police are baffled as to how Harris passed security, accessed locked gun room
A desperate manhunt is underway after 11 guns were stolen from a police station on Anzac Day.
The firearms were taken from a secure room at Palmerston North Police Station, New Zealand, on Thursday at 7.40am.
The alleged offender, Alan James Harris, 38, allegedly left the scene in a vehicle which police have since recovered.
It is still not known how Harris passed security and accessed the locked gun room.
A manhunt is underway for alleged offender Alan James Harris (pictured), 38, who stole firearms from a police station
Acting Central District Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said the guns were either being held for an exhibit or to be destroyed.
However Inspector Stewart refused to reveal whether the guns were operable.
'It is really important we ascertain exactly what happened on that day that led to this breach at this time... and it is a priority we understand that,' she said.
'Meanwhile, people should not approach Harris.'
Police Commissioner Mike Bush has ordered an audit on how firearms are held in police stations, reported Stuff.
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This isn't the first time Palmerston North station has been involved in a firearm incident.
In 2007, an instructor fired a bullet in the station while an officer was being trained to use an M4 Bushmaster.
The bullet shot through a wall however no one was injured.
In 2015, Faraniko Pei walked into the police station and fired a shotgun near an officer who was behind the counter in the front lobby.
Currently, gun owners in New Zealand are handing in their semi-automatic military style weapons to police following a terror attack in Christchurch last month.
The weapons must be handed in by the end of September otherwise individuals can be prosecuted.
The firearms were stolen from a secure room at Palmerston North Police Station (pictured), New Zealand, on Thursday at 7.40am
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