A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
Crime levels in the region increased significantly after Cyclone Gabrielle but had returned to normal levels within a week, police statistics show.
In the wake of the storm, police deployed an extra 145 staff to the Eastern District — which covers Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa, Gisborne and the East Coast — to support the initial response, and extra staff remain in the district assisting with the recovery phase.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park said crime and safety had been a concern for communities.
“Particularly for those feeling more exposed to crime they are not used to seeing . . . this has been unsettling.
“I have attended many community meetings, and visited many homes and businesses. I have heard first-hand and seen for myself how isolated and vulnerable people have felt and how concerned they were for their property and their safety.
“Police data shows that during the week immediately after Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti areas experienced a brief spike in crime but levels returned to normal by the following week.”
While difficulties with communications in the days straight after the cyclone had an impact on the volume of calls and online reports, police activity during this time focused on maintaining high visibility in affected communities, she said.
“Police resources in Eastern District were initially focused on responding to an unfolding emergency that was putting people in dire, life-threatening situations.
“Daily 111 calls to police for assistance nearly doubled in the week immediately after the cyclone hit — from an average of 190-to-200 a day to 367.
“Many of these were for a range of flood-related support, not reporting criminal activity.”
As communications were restored, reports of crimes increased — particularly family harm, burglaries, and violence and threats.
“But a week later these crime categories were largely back to normal levels. The only category to remain elevated was public order, including suspicious activity.”
A breakdown of the statistics in the police district shows —
Burglaries: Normally six a day. For February 14-20 there was an average of 13 a day. From February 21 the number returned to normal levels.
Family harm: Normally 33 a day. For February 14 to 20 there was an average of 39 a day. From February 21 the number returned to normal levels.
Violence and threats: Normally 11 a day. For February 14-20 there was an average of 15 a day. From February 21 the number returned to normal levels.
Public order incidents (including suspicious behaviour): Normally 27 reports a day. For February 14-20 there was an average of 53 a day. From February 21 to March 6 the number stayed relatively high at 48 a day.
Theft-related (car theft, general theft, theft from cars, theft from shops): Normally 21 a day. For February 14-20 there was an average of 12 a day, and from February 21 to March 6 there were 13 a day.
“It’s important to note that the extra contingent of police from outside the district helped enable a strong response to those who chose to take advantage of the devastation waged by the cyclone,” Superintendent Park said.
Those officers supported existing district staff to undertake more than 300 reassurance activities each day, including foot and mobile patrols in communities, which were supported by the mobile police bases.
“Police also provided general help and advice to people in flood-affected areas, vehicle checks to ensure drivers had good reason to be out and about in the locations they were in, and following up on reports of uncontactable people.
“For the two-week period from February 18 to March 3, there were an average of 21 arrests daily compared to the usual average of 16.
“I want to acknowledge people from across the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay communities who stood together and supported each other in so many different ways — from providing shelter and comfort, volunteering at community centres, donating essential supplies, and some even risking their own lives to rescue others.
“I also want to thank all my staff, many of whom were personally impacted by the disaster — and those who joined us from around the country — for rallying together in our district’s time of need.