Hastings police say they are taking a "very hard line" on criminal behaviour in the region after "unfair" burglaries overnight of flood victims.
Police Eastern District commander superintendent Jeanette Park said police arrested five people overnight following a burglary at a commercial building.
"We're taking a very hard line in relation to any unlawful behaviour, any criminal behaviour. We want to make sure that doesn't [happen]."
Park said it is "so unfair" to steal from flood victims that have lost everything to Cyclone Gabrielle.
"[People who] can't function their livelihoods, that's truly unfair and we will take a hard line on that."
