Police are urging the public to be cautious when collecting war memorabilia, after a disposal team found a displayed mortar was still highly explosive this week.

Whakatane Police were called on Wednesday July 26 following a report of a leaking mortar that was on display at a local club.

The New Zealand Defence Force explosive ordnance disposal team were called to assist and found the mortar was still highly explosive.

A number of other items on display were also deemed to be unsafe, and were disposed of by the team.

'While these items were deemed to be memorabilia, unfortunately no one had been able to confirm if they were safe to have on display,” says Whakatane Police.

'This serves as a timely reminder to always check with a professional if you want to collect war memorabilia and avoid significant risk to yourself and others.”

If you have concerns about an item in your home or on display in public, please do not attempt to move the item but call police immediately.