A North Canterbury family allege they’re being targeted by a group of thieves after 12 firearms, 2000 rounds of ammunition and a pet dog were stolen from their residences within days of each other.

John Te Amo told 1News that a gun cabinet was taken while another was smashed open in the break-in on Boxing Day at his Spencerville address, north of Christchurch.

He said they were also robbed of a safe that had been bolted to a wall inside a hallway cupboard – containing jewellery, passports, money and gun registrations.

A 1991 Mercury Capri vehicle was also allegedly taken in the heist. The family were on holiday and didn’t discover the aftermath until December 28.

Te Amo said the family was ordered by police to stay in a safe house for 24 hours as forensic staff combed through the property.

“It p***es me right off because I’m 100% sure – well, 90% sure – I know who’s behind it and it will come out,” he told 1News.

On December 29, the family’s 4-year-old French Bulldog – named Cooper – went outside of the safe house in Clarkville and didn’t return.

In a video posted to social media, Te Amo’s daughter, Lena Mercer, said they believe Cooper was taken from the address.

“It was at that point, in the morning, that Cooper has been taken from that address,” Mercer said.

She offered a $5000 reward in a plea for his safe return.

“We’ve had enough to deal with and we don’t know where else to turn so please, if you have him, please come forward. There will be no questions asked,” she said.

A police spokesperson said they received a report of the alleged dognapping on December 29.

“Police have made inquiries, including exploring potential CCTV images, but unfortunately there are currently no further lines of inquiry,” police said.

“If anyone has any information that may assist, they can contact police via 105 and reference file number 241229/3065.”

Police said the reported burglary of the firearms from Spencerville early on December 26 remains under investigation.

- NZ Herald