Australians among earthquake looters in Christchurch

Melbourne, Feb 25 (ANI): Australians are allegedly among bogus officials who are going door-to-door in quake-struck Christchurch scouting out appliances to steal from stressed and vulnerable locals.

The search for earthquake survivors continues as stories of looting emerge.

The number of missing has been put at 228, and the police revealed that crime was becoming an increasing problem for authorities on the ground.

When 300 Australian police officers touch down in the city today, their main task will be to bring rising rates of theft and domestic violence under control, The Age reports.

The New Zealand government has declared a national state of emergency following 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Christchurch that killed at least 113 people till now.

The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies were still being found and identified till reports last came in. The devastating earthquake has reportedly destroyed a huge number of buildings, and other infrastructure in the city. (ANI)