Power line tampering has left dozens of properties in Christchurch's Avonside disconnected

Orion reports 41 people lost power at around 2am, due to attempted cable theft from lines in an area of the red zone, near Retreat Road and Highbury Place.

The tampering's been an ongoing problem in wider Christchurch - with police recently describing it as frustrating, and warning there's a very high chance that serious injury or death will occur if it continues.