Firearms and a washing machine with a bullet hidden inside are among the items recovered in a series of searches in the Bay of Plenty.

Eastern Bay of Plenty police executed search warrants in Te Kaha on Tuesday as part of an investigation into burglaries between April and July.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Klein said the offending had a significant impact on residents.

During the searches, police recovered firearms and what is believed to be a large quantity of stolen property, including a large-screen television, washing machine, tools, household linen, a torch, mobile phones, garage equipment and paint equipment.

A bullet was also found in a wahsing machine.

A washing machine with a bullet hidden inside was among the items recovered. Photo /NZ Police

Klein said the warrants and arrests were a positive outcome for the Te Kaha community.

“These burglaries had a significant impact on local residents, with those affected having their homes and property targeted by people within their own community.

“The recovery of this property, and the arrests made, demonstrate our commitment to holding offenders to account and returning stolen items to their rightful owners wherever possible.”

A wide range of items was recovered, including firearms. Photo / NZ Police

A 38-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Ōpōtiki District Court on November 26. He faces charges of burglary, unlawfully being on property and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A 23-year-old man is due to appear in the Ōpōtiki District Court today, charged with burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police said inquiries were continuing and urged anyone with information to contact police via 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.