Power outage: Zero tolerance for looting - police

Photo / Brett Phibbs

Police have issued a strong warning against looters taking advantage of today's power outage in Auckland, and said extra staff would be on duty in affected areas tonight.

Auckland Police acting superintendent Jim Wilson said their focus would be on maintaining law and order and providing emergency assistance when needed.

"The Operations Planning Group are working on an Auckland Metro approach including staff from Counties Manukau and Waitemata districts and are prepared to cover the area in question for the foreseeable future," Superintendent Wilson said.

"We are working closely with the Auckland Emergency Co-Ordination Centre and other agencies and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved.

"Police would like to remind anyone who thinks they can take advantage of the current situation that there will be a zero tolerance approach to any offending.

"There will be high visibility reassurance patrols as well as extra police staff throughout the affected residential and commercial areas overnight and until the situation is rectified."

Police officers on points duty will be at key intersections tomorrow.