Phoenix homeowners encountered an unexpected discovery while digging a hole for a tree in their backyard authorities said Tuesday.

Phoenix police said the homeowners were digging in the corner of their fenced backyard Sunday near 83rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road when their shovels hit something in the dirt.

The residents pulled a duffle bag filled with several rusted rifles and handguns.

The homeowners turned over the firearms to detectives, who will determine whether they were used in crimes.

“We’re very thankful for the family who called this in, to make sure that if they are connected later to something, obviously related to a crime that we have justice for that family as well,” says Sgt. Mercedes Fortune with the Phoenix Police Department.

Police said they are investigating to see if the guns were used in any crimes and there’s no information yet on how long the weapons might have been buried.

Because of the firearms’ condition, it will take a while to recover the serial numbers to determine if they are linked to anyone, the caliber of the guns or if they are loaded.

The family owns the home and has lived there for four years. Prior to that, neighbors reported that renters came and went. It was also reported that the home was abandoned for about a year with frequent break-ins.