Large theft of fireworks from Morrinsville

 Morrinsville Police hope with the public's help they can turn a group of thieves' Guy Fawkes into a fizzer.

Constable John Grantham of the Morrinsville Police said thieves are believed to have broken into the local Warehouse store premises sometime after closing on Tuesday night and stole an estimated $11,000 worth of fireworks.

"We believe the thieves have got in sometime between 9pm Tuesday and 10am Wednesday. The fireworks were secured in locked shipping containers loaded on pallets in boxes.

"We're talking about a considerable amount of stock being taken with three pallets of fireworks in pre-packaged containers missing. Some of the product names include Megashot, Backyard Blast and Astro Blazer Mega Mix boxes."

New legislation introduced next year means fireworks can only be legally sold between 02-05 November and purchasers must be aged 18 or older.

"The concern for Police is that whoever stole these fireworks may not be too worried about who they sell them to with the potential for serious injury or damage."

Mr Grantham said Police want to hear from anyone who is offered bargain priced fireworks.

"We'd like the only bang those responsible get from the theft of these fireworks is that of a slamming cell door.

"People should remember that if they buy fireworks from the offenders they're creating a market and potentially face charges for receiving if caught," he said.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the thieves or who has been offered cheap fireworks for sale is asked to contact Mr Grantham at the Morrinsville Police Station on 07 8895071.