Welfare Centres For Those In Genuine Need Not Heartless Opportunists

Canterbury Police are warning opportunists not to try and use welfare centres, set up for those without homes following last week's earthquake, as more comfortable places to stay than their own homes.

District Commander, Superintendent Dave Cliff, said the call comes after an incident at the Addington welfare centre where several members of one family had to be evicted.

"The group was made up of about 30 people, some of whom were creating a nuisance and behaving in an unacceptable manner.

"Their addresses had been assessed by council engineers and found to be safe and secure. After extensive attempts by a number of different agencies failed and the family refused to move on they were evicted under the Trespass Act."

Mr Cliff said it was important that the welfare centres were not being abused to ensure they are able to provide support to those genuinely in need.

"What we don't want is for people to expect to use the welfare centres as a more comfortable place to stay than their own homes.

"These centres are there for people who have no safe, alternative accommodation and to be used as a transition facility for a few days."

Christchurch Police would continue to maintain a presence at the welfare centres to ensure those in need get the help they require and those that don't have legitimate reasons for being there are moved on.

ENDS

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