5,000 Christchurch residents arrive in Timaru

Timaru Police say up to five thousand Christchurch residents have arrived in the city since last week's earthquake.

Senior Sergeant Mark Offen says many of these people are staying with friends and family, and a large number of children have been temporarily enrolled in local schools.

A welfare centre has been opened in Timaru by Civil Defence and is providing food and clothing as required.

Senior Sergeant Offen says the vast majority of those newly-arrived from Christchurch are law-abiding citizens simply seeking refuge from the earthquake and its impact.

"There is always a small number who will seek to take advantage and, as always, local residents should take normal crime prevention precautions."

He says since 22 February, Timaru Police have dealt with residents of Christchurch who have been processed for a range of criminal offences.

But he says the overwhelming majority are simply trying to organise their lives while being away from their home city, and he expects Timaru residents to assist where and when they can.