Six people have been arrested for looting in central Christchurch following yesterday's magnitude 6.3 quake.
Superintendant Dave Cliff said the central city within the "four avenues" would be a restricted access zone from 6.30pm today, meaning only those involved in the rescue effort would be allowed access.
"That's also about keeping out the criminal element, who we know will try and take advantage," he said.
"We have made about six arrests today for theft and burglary around the central city."
