13 Jan 2004

American Samoa warns against looting after cyclone

6:17 am on 13 January 2004

Officials in American Samoa have issued a vandalism and looting alert following a series of incidents after Cyclone Heta hit last week.

The Territorial Office of Homeland Security says there's been an increase in crime because of the easy access to damaged buildings.

Police are trying to increase patrols but say they cannot cover the whole territory.

They are asking for all communities to assist the government and report suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, another New Zealand plane will fly to Niue this morning carrying supplies and trades people.

It will also carry the foreign minister, Phil Goff, Niue's premier, Young Vivian, and the Australian High Commissioner based in Wellington.