Three men have been charged with burglary after allegedly rummaging through and smashing up an old Auckland building.

Police said they received a report of a group of people inside an empty building on Carrington Rd, Point Chevalier, and “smashing it up” around 11.20am yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin, Auckland City West area response manager, said police units were soon on scene.

“Officers, with the assistance of a dog handler, have located two men inside the building,” Baldwin said.

“A third man was seen running from the back of the building and was also quickly taken into custody.”

Baldwin said a search of the men, who were allegedly targeting materials to sell, located drugs and utensils.

“This was a fantastic outcome – from the member of the public’s quick reporting to police to the detailed information provided.

“Police will continue to actively target burglary offenders, and we ask those in our community to report any instances of suspicious behaviour so we can respond appropriately and hold these people to account.”

Three men, aged between 40-42, will appear in Auckland District Court today faced with multiple charges including burglary, possession of methamphetamine and possession of utensils.