The wildfires continue to rip across LA with no signs of stopping, but some are using this opportunity to get on with one of the United States' favorite crisis pastimes: looting.
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Across LA, mandatory evacuation has been enforced, ensuring people are out of the path of the flames. Consequently, there are now thousands of homes empty and unguarded. The wildfires have been chewing through many wealthy neighborhoods, providing very valuable targets for looting.
Amid the flames, looting is a lucrative prospect. As long as the thieves are willing to risk the flames, the houses are easy targets. There are no police to pick people up or respond to alarms, and the homes are just waiting to have their things taken.
Many of the houses in the Palisades are home to wealthy celebrities. Their homes are filled with anything that they couldn't pack away on the short notice they were given. Many items, such as electronics, jewelry, and more have been left behind for looting amid the raging wildfires.
Police Issue Warning For Opportunistic Wildfires Looting
Although the wildfires may seem like the perfect opportunity, the local police have arrested two in the act of looting. They have issued a further warning for anyone else looking to capitalize on the natural disaster.
"If you are thinking about coming into any of these areas to steal from our residents, I'm going to tell you something," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna cautioned. "You're going to be caught, you're going to be arrested and you're going to be prosecuted."
The warning is intended as a deterrent for others looking to profit from the thousands of evacuated homes.
Amid the wildfires, looting may become a big problem. Many face the prospect of losing their home, and with so many uninsured, this could spell the end of their livelihoods. People become desperate in times of crisis and turn to crime like this.
Looting comes along with many moments of crisis in the US. Riots, protests, football matches, pandemics, and many more inspire people to start taking what they like and making the most of distracted police forces. However, it seems like the LA police aren't putting up with it this time.
