A small Waikato town is hoping things will settle after a large police operation that ended in four arrests

Firearms, ammunition, drugs, and gang patches were seized when seven Te Kuiti addresses were searched by officers and the Armed Offenders Squad this morning.

Four men aged 41, 46, 49, and 53 are facing a number of charges including assault, robbery, and threatening to kill.

It's understood the group allegedly attempted to shakedown local businesses for money.

Waitomo District Mayor Brian Hanna says the community was intimidated by the men. but are now at ease.

He says there's a feeling of relief because no one should have to put up with such behaviour.