mataura_flooding_05022020.jpg Residents of Mataura and surrounding areas were evacuated last week following extensive flooding. Photo: Stephen JaquierySouthern police have called in reinforcements after reports of burglaries and suspicious behaviour in the Mataura area following the devastating flooding last week. Senior Sergeant Cynthia Fairley, of Gore Police, said "unfortunately some properties have been targeted by thieves while they've been left unattended." There have been two reports of burglaries in the Mataura and Brydone areas as well as reports of unknown people being seen on or around rural properties in Mataura and Lumsden, who have fled when confronted. In response, Snr Sgt Fairley said police had substantially increased staff and patrols in the Mataura, Gore and Wyndham areas since the evacuations, including bringing in a team from Canterbury to help bolster numbers.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 09, 2020 04:40 UTC