A family's Christmas presents have been stolen, as part of five violent home invasions in West Waikato

Police say a small group of men with firearms and wearing balaclavas are behind the burglaries.

A young child and an elderly woman were injured by the barrel of a gun, in separate incidents, during the invasions.

Police say the acts were cowardly and violent.

They are seeking CCTV footage from people in the community, to help find the alleged offenders.