Police in Northland are warning collectors of kauri gum to step up their security after a raid on a Whangarei massage parlour.
The police seized thousands of dollars worth of the amber chunks from the city's Scarlet Lounge this week, and a rural property south of Whangarei.
Kauri gum is fetching up to $17 per gram overseas, and it has been targeted in several burglaries in Northland in the past year.
The police believe the gum is being exported to Chinese markets, and say private collectors and museums should review the security of their collections.
Two men have appeared in court following the Whangarei kauri gum raid, one charged with burglary and the other with receiving.
