Police have upped staff numbers and patrols following flooding in Southland

Police are investigating following two reported burglaries in the Mataura and Brydone areas, as well as reports of people on and around rural properties in Mataura and Lumsden - who've run off when confronted.

Gore Police Senior Sergeant, Cynthia Fairley, says these are normal numbers of reports, but people should keep their homes and properties secure.

She says they've increased staff and patrols in the Mataura, Gore and Wyndham areas since evacuations, including bringing in a team from Canterbury.

Fairley says they'll keep up this response for the foreseeable future - people should call 111 if they seen anything suspicious.