Police have warned people not to accessorise with an iPhone case which makes the user look like they are holding a gun - or they could find themselves behind bars.
The phone case has already attracted criticism in the United States and after hearing it could be ordered online and shipped to New Zealand, police here have reiterated their concerns.
Inspector Jason Ross, response manager at police national headquarters, said "on the face of it" the phone case would be regarded as an imitation gun and police would treat it as such until proven otherwise.
"We would strongly advise against carrying such items given their considerable potential for causing unnecessary alarm to the public, whether this is intended or not," he said today.
"Police are regularly called regarding people carrying what appears to be a firearm, which later turns out to be a toy or imitation.
"Such calls will always prompt a full and immediate response from police, include the deployment of armed staff," he said.
"It is an offence under section 46 the Arms Act 1983 to carry an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.
"Anyone found carrying the item ... may face charges under the Arms Act depending on the particular circumstances of each matter."
The maximum penalty under the Arms Act is two years in prison, a fine up to $4000, or both.
Overseas, the accessory was described by the New York Police Department as "ridiculous" and they have also warned people not to buy it.
The NYPD 112 Precinct posted a picture of the offending cases on Twitter with the message: "I would NOT suggest purchasing this cell phone case, which was designed to look like a firearm. #BeSmart #BeSafe."
The accompanying image, taken by the Queens North NYPD School Safety Division, shows what looks like a handgun tucked into the back pocket of a woman's shorts, but is actually a mobile phone.
