Increased enforcement of Christchurch CBD cordons

Police have increased the level of enforcement and credential checking inside the cordoned area of the Christchurch central business district to ensure the security of property in the area.

Superintendent Andy McGregor said Police are requiring increased checking of documentation and challenging anybody inside cordoned areas at all times of the day or night.

"People inside the cordons are asked to produce the relevant accreditation. This is to help ensure that people are only in the cordoned area that they are authorised to be in.

"We have found instances of people being in parts of the cordoned area that they do not have authority to be in," Supt McGregor said.

"Where someone is found to have breached their access conditions they could be subject to criminal charges under the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act and have their accreditation removed.

"Police and military personnel enforcing the cordons have a difficult job in sometimes challenging conditions. We are urging residents and business people to respect the requirements of their access permits and not to put unnecessary pressure on cordon staff.

"While there have been some instances of cordon breaches and inappropriate access, overall the behaviour of residents and business people has been very good," Supt McGregor said