'Pursuing a number of leads': Police hunt for Christchurch gun shop ram-raiders

One of New Zealand’s largest gun stores in Christchurch has been targeted in an overnight ram-raid.

Owner David Tipple confirmed on Friday that Gun City on Cranford St had been hit early this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said on Friday police are "following strong lines of enquiry after this morning’s ram-raid in Christchurch".

He said a stolen green Mazda Demio was used to break through the roller door at Gun City in Redwood about 3.20am on Friday.

"Four individuals entered the store and have taken several items. Police are working to confirm what was stolen," Wells said.

"We understand the concern around events involving firearms.

"Police are treating this seriously and are pursuing a number of leads to identify these offenders and locate the items they've stolen.

"After leaving the store, we know the offenders have travelled south on Cranford St in a stolen black Subaru Forester.

"We hope that someone may have seen them and has information that can assist the investigation.

"We would ask motorists who were in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage, and for anyone who may have seen either of these vehicles to get in touch with us."

Anyone who may have seen the Mazda Demio, registration DDF311, or the Subaru Forester, registration LCY783, about this time should call 111 and reference case number 221202/5373.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111.

Footage from the store showed the offenders stealing an air rifle and paintball gun.

Ammunition could be seen strewn across the store.

Boxes were lying outside the shop and contractors were working on a section of the shop's damaged front.

A reporter at the scene said boxes of ammo were also strewn across the footpath.

Tyre marks show where the car entered the store.

The glass door has also been damaged.

Police were still at the scene this morning. Tipple was at the shop from about 7.30am reviewing the damage.

It was not known what else has been taken until a stocktake has been completed.

The Gun City store in Redwood is the largest of two branches in Christchurch.

Later that morning about 5.20am, three men used mallets to gain entry into Stirling Sports at The Palms shopping centre.

Wells said police are still investigating whether the ram-raid is linked to the burglary of the sports shop.

"The store was burgled by three men who used mallets to gain entry. They left in a small black-coloured car, possibly a Suzuki Swift."

“It is not yet known if the events are linked, however, in both cases CCTV is being reviewed and police are following lines of inquiry to apprehend the offenders.”

-By Nathan Morton, Sam Sherwood and Star News