"Police following leads on post-earthquake burglaries"

Canterbury Police have now established there were eight burglaries which took place during the times the evacuation occurred following Monday's earthquake.

Police Scene of Crime Officers have or will be attending each burglary and carrying out scene examinations.

Canterbury Volume Crime Supervisor Detective Sergeant Damon Wells says Police are working closely with the victims to ensure they’re supported through this process and understand where the investigation process is at.

“Police are following up on positive lines of enquiry following these burglaries.”

“The public can be assured that we will be focused on trying to catch the people responsible, especially when they prey on those in such a vulnerable situation in a time of an emergency.

The number of Police carrying out reassurance patrols across the affected parts of Christchurch has been increased in response to this crime.

Police are also spending timein the communities to ensure residents know how they can best protect themselves from becoming victims of similar offending.

“This has been an incredibly trying time for the people affected and we’re doing all we can to provide them with reassurance,” says Mr Wells.

“We would encourage the public to join Neighbourhood support groups especially the Christchurch Gets Ready, Selwyn Gets Ready and North Canterbury Gets Ready websites, which can provide quick updates to its members by email or text.  In addition please note or photograph any suspicious activity and report this to Police.

“We recognise the huge impact burglary has on individuals, families and communities.

It is a particularly invasive crime and Canterbury Police is determined to try and get a positive outcome for the people affected.”

ENDS

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