Police continue to keep watch over flood affected areas for looters, warning they will be out in force on the weekend on the hunt for opportunistic thieves.

Seven people have been arrested since the disaster took hold of the south-east.

Three were nabbed last night, including a teenager who was allegedly attempting to steal items from a car.

Speaking earlier today, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll says those caught will face harsh penalties.

“Those stealing can be charged and liable to a maximum ten years imprisonment.”

Police say the teen was confronted by a member of the public in a flood affected carpark on Rogers Street in West End.

It will be alleged the teen threatened a woman with a tool, while attempting to steal items from a car.

The woman involved was not physically harmed.

In a separate incident at 11.45pm, police were conducting patrols in the Oxley area and located a man and woman with items allegedly stolen from flood-affected properties.

Acting Superintendent Paul Austin said police will continue to patrol within flood affected areas on the look out for opportunistic thieves.

“Officers will take a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to looting and ask members of the public to continue to contact Policelink on 131 444 if they witness suspicious behaviour or believes they may be victim to looting.

“Police are also receiving reports of people scouting out furniture and belongings that have been left on the curb side.

“This is a timely reminder to all members of the public that often these are treasured possessions that flood victims are having to sift through. Please show compassion and consider asking permission from owners before assuming items left out in front of houses are rubbish.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy says it hurts him to say while Queenslanders are struggling, there’s people out there looting.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful behaviour.”

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Image: Queensland Police, Supplied