Whakatāne police are reminding the public not to handle or transport suspected explosive ordnance after a member of the public recently handed in a World War II-era mortar round.

Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon said the item had been kept in the family home for about 50 years and had not been properly decommissioned.

“This is a good reminder for the public that police can be approached for items such as old World War II ordnance,” MacKinnon said.

He said people who found suspected ordnance should leave it where it was and call police, who could attend and arrange safe disposal.