Christchurch earthquake: Family violence up as strain takes toll

Provisional statistics show there has been an increase of 53 per cent in family violence offences since Saturday morning's earthquake. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Burglaries in quake-ravaged Christchurch are actually down but family violence offences have soared more than 50 per cent, say police.

Provisional data showed that burglaries have decreased by 11 per cent in comparison with the same time last year. That's despite initial reports of looting in the central business district following the quake and "known criminals" arrested after they dressed up as council workers and tried to enter the area.

"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.

Police would also show zero tolerance towards any suspicious activity around unsecured or damaged property, he said.

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

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

However, it was also a time of significant stress on families for a number of reasons, he said.

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

"We know from experience that times of stress do correlate with an increase in family violence incidents and this has occurred.

"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."

Police urged people suffering from stress to talk to family or friends or seek advice and assistance from agencies that can help such as Women's Refuge.

Judge Michael Crosbie, in Christchurch District Court this week, also warned that people caught looting after the earthquake would be dealt with harshly by the courts.

"The court will be taking a close look at people who offended during this disaster," Crosbie said.

He was speaking at remand hearings for five men arrested for burglary and theft offences after Saturday's 7.1-magnitude tremor.

He refused bail for one defendant and imposed strict curfews on four others, saying he did not want to put the community at further risk.

"The community is still in a fragile state. It is still experiencing the effects of this devastating earthquake," he said.

"Fortunately, the dominant mood of the town is one of help, assistance and support."

- NZPA