POLICE: Maryborough would not accept looting

LOCAL police believe the Maryborough community would not accept looting in the aftermath of severe flooding in the region.

Good News Fraser Coast - police — Local police have praised the Maryborough community for doing the right thing in the wake of recent flooding in the Heritage City. PHOTO: File / Shaun Ryan.

District Officer for Wide Bay Burnett Superintendent Michael Sawrey praised residents for doing the right thing as the Heritage City recovers from a second major flood in just six weeks.

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Supt Sawrey said officers – including water police, specialists and highway patrol – had been active in the community to ensure people and property remained safe.

He said there had been no reports of looting.

“The Maryborough community has been very responsive in relation this whole event and would not accept looting during a flood in an area that has been impacted,” Supt Sawrey said.

The comment comes after Queensland Police launched Operation Uniform Nash on Tuesday to target property crime and protect properties in affected areas in South East Queensland.

FLOODING: Focus shifts from disaster to recovery

Several people have been arrested for allegedly looting in the wake of floods in the Brisbane area.

“We find it unacceptable; it’s appalling behaviour and we’ll do everything to prevent it. And if it is to occur, we’ll do everything we can to catch the offenders.

“At this stage we haven’t had any reports of houses being broken into and certainly no looting.”

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Supt Sawrey continued to praise residents for doing the right thing and keeping out of the water.

“We can’t afford people to go into floodwaters. It places their lives and those of the emergency services at risk,” he said.

Despite the Fraser Coast Regional Council saying it had shifted its focus from disaster management to recovery, Supt Sawrey urged people to continue avoiding restricted areas.

“Council and emergency services are doing a fantastic job to clean up and to make the area safe. Ergon and other agencies are involved too.”