Nelson police praise community response

Nelson Bays Police are praising the local communities in the wake of the severe flooding in the region.

Acting Area Commander Inspector Ross Lienert said today the crisis had brought out the best in people.

"Events like this bring people together and it has been fantastic to see the response across the region. Neighbours are helping each other and people are showing patience and common sense on the roads," he said.

"We've had people serving Periodic Detention working in the rain shovelling drains. They worked hard and they've done something that's made a real difference to some of our hardest hit neighbourhoods."

Increased numbers of Police had been working around the clock over the past week, including 15 extra staff brought in from Marlborough to assist.

Inspector Lienert said the number of evacuated homes made people vulnerable to crime, however private security services and increased Police patrols had resulted in no increase in burglaries.

He said, despite the road closures, traffic was still flowing remarkably well and there had been no serious issues on the roads.

"We're not used to traffic jams in Nelson. The flow we're seeing here now would be considered normal in any of the country's bigger cities. However, with the visitor influx due in the coming week we're hoping to see more roads open soon."

Inspector Lienert also encouraged people going away on holiday to take the usual precautions.

"Let your neighbours know when you'll be away; get someone to collect the mail and keep an eye on your house and make sure arrangements have been made for the care of your pets," he said.

"On behalf of the Nelson Bays Police I'd like to congratulate this community on the way it has responded in this crisis. I'd also like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas."