Southland Police have arrested two men this morning (13 Jun) in connection with a recent spike in rural burglaries and vehicle thefts.

Multiple search warrants were executed at local Southland addresses by city and rural Police teams, locating a number of stolen items, including vehicles.

Firearms and a cannabis grow were also seized.

Sergeant Chris Maguire said that putting a stop to this offending was a great result for the community and particularly for rural residents.

The two men, aged 26 and 35, are expected to appear in Invercargill District Court in due course charged with a number of charges including receiving property.

The 35-year-old is also charged with unlawful possession of firearms and cultivating cannabis, Police said.