Eastern District Police say they are continuing efforts in the cyclone-hit region, including conducting more than 2,000 reassurance patrols to help keep people and property safe.
Police say that as of 2pm yesterday, there have been 6,431 reports of uncontactable people registered and 3,216 reports from people registering that they are safe.
People who have now been in touch with someone previously reported uncontactable are urged to update their status through 105 online, so we can prioritise those who need the most urgent checks.
A total of 120 frontline staff have now come into Eastern District from other parts of the country, to support local staff in a range of frontline capacities.
The additional resources include the Police Eagle helicopter, which has been in the district since Friday.
In coming days Police will deploy another approximately 25 staff to the District, including iwi and community liaison officers to support reassurance and prevention work.
“Since Tuesday 14 February, Police staff have conducted more than 2,000 reassurance jobs across the District,” Police said in a statement.
“In Hawke’s Bay there have been 1,345 reassurance jobs including road and foot patrols, road safety checks, and Police presence at essential facilities.”
Police say there have been 683 reassurance jobs conducted in Tairawhiti.
Since last Tuesday, Police have arrested 42 people for various offences in Hawke’s Bay and 17 in Tairawhiti.
“Frustratingly, rumours and false information is being spread across our communities, and only serves to make vulnerable people feel even more unsafe,” Police said.
“As well, each false rumour that requires investigation is taking Police staff away from the important work they are doing.”
Police say they’re confident there is sufficient staff in Eastern District to manage both the emergency response and routine policing, while continuing to monitor what is required.
