Japan's National Police Agency says it will increase the number of security cameras in the quake-hit areas in central Japan to prevent burglaries and other crimes.

The agency said it had received 32 reports of crimes, such as break-ins at damaged houses and thefts at evacuation shelters, as of Wednesday. Criminals appear to be taking advantage of the disaster.

The agency has mainly been setting up security cameras in quake-hit urban areas. It says that it will increase the number of cameras to about 1,000. The measure is expected to ease the concerns of people who must evacuate their homes and take shelter in facilities located outside the affected regions.

About 60 security cameras had been installed in the affected areas by Thursday.

National Public Security Commission Chairperson Matsumura Yoshifumi said security cameras will be set up wherever they are needed. He added that police officers will make sure that the people in the quake-hit areas are safe.