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CHRISTCHURCH: A New Zealand judge warned Monday that people caught looting after the Christchurch earthquake would be dealt with harshly by the courts.
Judge Michael Crosbie told Christchurch District Court that anyone who took advantage of the disaster would be viewed "as being people who were capable of anything".
"The court will be taking a close look at people who offended during this disaster," Crosbie said at remand hearings for five men arrested for burglary and theft offences after Saturday's 7.0-magnitude tremor.
He refused bail for one man and imposed strict curfews on four others, saying he did not want to put the community at risk.
"The community is still in a fragile state. It is still experiencing the effects of this devastating earthquake," Crosbie said.
"Fortunately, the dominant mood of the town is one of help, assistance and support."
Police and troops have sealed off central Christchurch to prevent looting and because of the danger posed by falling glass and masonry.
Christchurch police superintendent Dave Cliff told Radio New Zealand on Monday that a number of "known criminals" were arrested as they attempted to enter the central business district posing as council workers.
-AFP/wk
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