Quick actions by neighbours of a rural Waikato property left four alleged burglars with nowhere to hide today.
Police said a Whatawhata resident noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at a neighbour's property about 3.15pm and responded by parking his ute across the driveway.
When he went and looked inside the offending vehicle he noticed a firearm inside, which he took and threw into long grass before returning to his home to call police.
"He and other neighbours then observed from a safe distance," said acting Waikato police communications manager Tony Sasso.
When police were called about 10 staff from Hamilton and Huntly responded, setting up cordons visible from the house and contained the scene while the armed offenders squad (AOS) were mobilised.
Before the AOS arrived, the group of four voluntarily walked out of the house, followed instructions and gave themselves up.
Three men aged 18, 20 and 21 will appear in Hamilton District Court over the incident tomorrow, while a 14-year-old will appear in the Youth Court.
Police said the firearm in the offending vehicle was from the property being targeted.
Sergeant Vic Snedden praised the actions of the locals responding to the incident and said they "did everything absolutely right".
