Looters wore diving gloves to rob evacuated earthquake house

Almost $40,000 has been donated to help a Christchurch family whose seaside home was burgled after they evacuated during yesterday's earthquake and tsunami warning.

Melissa and Matt Mill left their Bower Ave home in New Brighton at about 2am yesterday with their two daughters Skyla and Alisha.

Alisha, 12, has muscular dystrophy.

Melissa Mill's daughter had a $5000 hearing device to help her communicate. All that is left after the family were burgled during the quake is the case. Photo supplied.

While the family were hunkering down thieves broke into their home and stole their television, Christmas presents and other items, including Alisha's $5000 hearing system

They also stole Matt Mill's work truck.

Soon after the Herald revealed the family's devastating situation the team at Givealittle stepped in and set up a fundraising page for them.

As of 10.25am today $36,422 had been donated.

"Thank you all for your love and support truly appreciate it," Melissa Mill wrote on her Facebook page this morning.

"We are all very overwhelmed by the support near and far."

She said police had been to the house to hunt for evidence as to who the thieves might be.

Melissa Mill. Photo supplied.

"Police didn't find fingerprints as they wore Matt's diving gloves," Mill explained.

"The have taken some objects for DNA testing as they don't belong to us.

"There also was a footprint of about a size 6 gym shoe."

She said other families in her community had also been burgled during the quake.

Police said at least 19 people across the Canterbury area had reported being targeted by thieves in the hours after the fatal earthquake.

"So unreal when such a disaster by mother nature is taking place, that someone wasn't scared of putting their own lives at danger," Mills said.

"The mind of the persons that did this to us and others must honestly have issues going on."

She wanted to thank everyone who had helped her family so far.

"Again thank you all, as if we don't have enough roller coasters. Bless you all," she said.

To donate, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/helpthemillsfamily/donations