Zero tolerance to crime in earthquake zone

Christchurch Police will show zero tolerance to any suspicious activity around unsecured or damaged property following Saturdays earthquake.

"There seems to be a bit of an urban myth that burglaries are dramatically increasing. We have arrested a couple of people trying to take advantage of this situation and we continue to take a zero tolerance approach to this sort of criminal behaviour," said Inspector John Price.

"People are generally reacting very well in this event and we encourage continued patience at this difficult time."

Provisional data shows that burglaries have decreased by 11 percent in comparison with the same time last year.

"Times like these do bring out the best in people and Police and Defence staff on the cordons have really appreciated this."

However Inspector Price said it was also a time of significant stress on families for a number of reasons. "We know from experience that times of stress do correlate with an increase in family violence incidents and this has occurred following Saturday's earthquake.

"It is a time to show tolerance and patience and realise when you are under stress and may need to take affirmative action to prevent the stress escalating into violence to those closest to you."

Provisional statistics show there has been an increase of 53% in family violence offences since Saturday morning in those areas affected by the earthquake.

"Our advice is if you are suffering from stress, talk to family or friends or seek advice and assistance from agencies that can help such as Women's Refuge."