Detective Sergeant Mark James, of the Hamilton police crime investigation unit, said two .22 calibre rifles were stolen during the early hours of Friday morning from a vehicle parked in a Gray Street driveway.

He said the owner of the vehicle had inadvertently left the vehicle unlocked.

"People need to be aware that even in shocking weather conditions like we've that there are offenders walking around at night trying the doors of vehicle to see what's in them to steal," he said.

"Now we've got two firearms floating around the community. Anyone caught with those guns faces being charged with serious offences.

"We'll be pulling out all stops to recover those firearms but it would be much easier if they were not stolen in the first place."

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Detective Sergeant James said the vehicle was inadvertently left unlocked.

"We're reviewing CCTV footage in the area. We need to resolve this situation quickly and we're requesting that anyone with information immediately contact the Hamilton police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.

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