Police in Christchurch are warning residents to be wary as the number of people posing as tradesmen to gain entry to homes rises.
They say they are getting daily reports of people pretending to be from the Earthquake Commission, the construction industry, the Inland Revenue Department and Sky Television.
Police believe the impersonators are trying to gain entry to quake-damaged homes with a view to breaking in at a later date.
They say home-owners should check tradespeople's identification and call police if they are suspicious.
Police have received reports from throughout the city, with the suburbs of Somerfield and Spreydon targeted since Monday.
They are not investigating anyone at this stage.
