Rare classic motorcycles, worth around $45,000, have been stolen in what police believe was a targeted raid on the home of an elderly Hamilton man.
The motorcycles include a 1928 500cc BSA, registration number 302XX, a 1951 500cc Norton and a 1926 350cc Harley Davidson "Harley Pup" - the smallest Harley ever made - that was being restored.
Also stolen were two display engines from a 1933 Aerial 350cc and a Triumph Tiger 70 250cc.
The 77-year-old owner was understandably distraught over the theft of his beloved collection from his home, said Constable Wayne Shanks.
"Collectively the collection is estimated to be worth $45,000.
"The items hold a lot of sentimental value to the owner, one of which he had owned for 60 years."
Const Shanks said he hoped people with similar interests in historic machinery would be alert to anyone trying to sell the machines or obtain spare parts for them.
"In such situations items like this are often specifically targeted and people will go to great lengths to hide that they have them, we're hoping that mechanics, spare parts dealers, other collectors or even scrap merchants all keep an eye - or an ear - out."
NZN