Tauranga Police investigating a spate of burglaries in the Whakamarama area located firearms and a suspected methamphetamine lab.

On Wednesday, police received reports of suspicious activity at a local orchard and subsequently apprehended a 27-year-old man who was allegedly found in possession of a .22 rifle and methamphetamine.

Two people have been arrested following a spate of burglaries in the Whakamarama area. File photo.

He appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday morning charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine, being unlawfully in an enclosed yard and breaching a protection order.

Further enquires led to police to a residence on Old Highway, where they located a substantial amount of stolen property, believed to be linked to recent burglaries in the area.

More firearms and a suspected methamphetamine lab were also discovered.

As a result, a 42-year-old man appeared in Tauranga District Court on Thursday afternoon.

He was charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

'In Whakamarama, we have had a recent burglary problem and we hope that these arrests provide some reassurance to the victims and their neighbours,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner.

'We'll do our best to reunite the property with its rightful owners and we'd like to thank the public for their assistance, which resulted in these arrests and the recovery of this property.

'It's extremely rewarding to know that members of the local community are looking out for each other in this way,” says Greg.

'By communicating any concerns with police, we are able to resolve more crimes.”

'Particularly in rural areas, communities' assistance is vital to keeping Police informed on crime and helping us find offenders.”

If people do see any suspicious activity in their area, they are encouraged to call Tauranga Police Station on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can also be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.