Police in Northland are warning gun owners to lock up their weapons or risk losing them.
Burglars broke into a Dargaville house on Monday and stole two shotguns: a 12-gauge with a blue barrel and a camouflage semi-automatic.
Neither had been locked away, as the law requires.
Inspector Marty Ruth says guns that aren't secured are at risk of falling into the hands of criminals.
Police in New Zealand and Australia are running a two-week campaign encouraging people to report anyone who is holding firearms without a licence.
