Images have been released showing the suspects believed to have stolen two iconic Māori paintings in Auckland over the weekend.
CCTV footage captured two men, believed to be between their 20s and 30s, wearing bandanas, black gloves and dark sweatshirts.
Both were wearing dark pants, one in shorts and the other in trousers or track pants with a white stripe down the site, and dark-coloured shoes with white soles.
One had pale skin and a medium build while the second was taller, with a skinny to medium build, police say.
A stolen ute allegedly rammed into the window of Parnell's International Art Centre early on Saturday morning, before a white 2016 Holden Commodore drove up.
Police say two people got out and stole the paintings, fleeing in the Holden.
"[Due to] the force that was used by the vehicle to back through the windows, we believe, and speaking to the people at the Art Centre, the paintings will have been damaged," Detective Inspector Scott Beard told media on Monday.
The two stolen 1884 Gottfried Lindauer oil paintings were valued at between $350,000 and $450,000 each and were due to be auctioned on Tuesday.
Police believe as well as the two offenders pictured in CCTV, there was a third offender who drove the getaway car.
"If you recognise any of these men, even if you suspect it could be someone you know, please get in touch with us," Det Insp Beard said.
"From their clothing [and] from their appearance standing there we hope somebody will recognise them, or may recognise the car, [and] link the two.
"These paintings are of national heritage, it's culturally sensitive in terms of them being stolen, and if people out there know where they are, or know who the offenders are or know where that vehicle is, please contact police."
Information can be provided to Auckland City Police on (09) 302 6832, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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