Hundreds of police officers have been drafted into the Eastern District as the area continues to deal with fears of looting following Cyclone Gabrielle.
It comes after Hastings police said they're taking a "very hard line" on criminal behaviour in the region after "unfair" burglaries on Thursday morning of flood victims.
Police said they arrested five people following a burglary at a commercial building on Thursday.
Vodafone confirmed on Saturday evening generators had been stolen from their mobile sites, which had cut phone coverage in storm-affected areas.
Vodafone chief executive Jason Paris said police are now patrolling the sites and most other generators are GPS tracked.
"We know who the perpetrators are... Times are tough, but don't be a d***," he said.
Police Eastern District commander superintendent Jeanette Park said officers will be carrying out patrols night and day in flood-affected areas of the Eastern District.
She said the police Eagle helicopter will also help in protecting communities and enhancing the response capability.
"We have extra officers from across the country who are working with colleagues from Civil Defence, the Defence Force, and other responding agencies, to help Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay," Park said.
"I'm immensely proud of our officers and the partner agencies they are working alongside. A number of those on duty have also been affected by the cyclone.
"We understand people are worried, and Police have significantly increased staffing levels to provide reassurance."
Park confirmed more than 100 additional officers have been brought into the district, including to cut-off areas.
"People are hurting, many are still without power, and or are unable to go home," Park said.
"Part of our response is being on the streets and in vulnerable areas, deterring the people who want to take advantage of this disaster."
As of yesterday evening, police have logged almost 1500 prevention jobs in the Eastern District, including public reassurance, patrols and vehicle stops.
Park said police will have a visible presence in the Eastern District and won't tolerate offending.
"If anyone takes advantage of other people's misery during this crisis, our officers will investigate," Park said.
"This offending is low at the best of times. Targeting people in a crisis is abhorrent and we're not tolerating it.
"We urge people to keep reporting suspicious behaviour or crime. The sooner we hear about it, the faster we can respond."
If you witness criminal activity or behaviour that is unsafe, please call 111 as soon as possible with as much detail as you can.
Incidents can be reported after the fact via 105.
