Cyclone Gabrielle: Police increase staffing, urge updates on uncontactable people

Police are stressing safety as their number one priority amid lootings in flood-stricken areas, and they also urged people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle to report if they are safe.

As of 2pm Saturday, there have been 5608 reports of uncontactable people registered and 1196 reports from people registering that they are safe.

With communications slowly returning to areas severely affected by the cyclone, police are asking for people who have been uncontactable to friends and family to report themselves as being safe online as soon as possible.

And for family or friends who previously reported someone as uncontactable but have been able to reach them now, they are also being asked to update police on the person’s status so urgent checks can be prioritised.

Anyone who has not yet been able to contact someone following the cyclone can make a ‘Person Inquired For’ report online.

Police said more than 100 officers would be involved in the efforts to reconcile reports of uncontactable people with those who have reported themselves safe online and through evacuation centres and police stations.

Reassurance patrols for crime prevention

As of Saturday night, five people have been arrested after a spate of lootings across Hawke’s Bay.

More than 100 extra officers were brought into the Eastern District including to areas that were cut off from Cyclone Gabrielle.

The police eagle helicopter has been brought in to help track and locate offenders or vehicles of interest.

So far, police have logged almost 1500 jobs throughout the Eastern District, including public reassurance, patrols and vehicle stops.

Eastern District commander superintendent Jeanette Park said targeting people in a crisis was abhorrent and would not be tolerated.

“People are hurting, many are still without power, and or are unable to go home,” Park said.

“Part of our response is being on the streets and in vulnerable areas, deterring the people who want to take advantage of this disaster.

“A number of those on duty have also been affected by the cyclone.

“We understand people are worried, and police have significantly increased staffing levels to provide reassurance.”

Police said they would continue to be visible throughout communities.

They are urging people to keep reporting suspicious behaviour or crime.