Authorities announced on Thursday that they’ve taken twenty individuals into custody in the Los Angeles fire zones for looting in the hard-hit areas.
They’re making it clear that they’re not playing around when it comes to any criminal activity linked to this disaster. “This is simply unacceptable,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said. “… I promise you, you will be held accountable. Shame on those who are preying on our residents at this time of crisis.” Sheriff Robert Luna reported that around 400 officers are on the ground in the fire zones, keeping an eye out for looters.
RELATED: Donald Trump Slams Governor Gavin Newson For The Devastating Wildfires In California
He emphasized that it’s a misdemeanor to be in an evacuation zone without permission, and if you’re caught committing a crime there, it could escalate to a felony. “I’m going to make this crystal clear to everybody out there,” Luna said. “Over last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property. Absolutely unacceptable.”
“… If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest,” Luna said. “I hope that is as clear as I can make it.”
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said “these criminals need to hear … an unmistakably clear message that if you want to ahead and loot, if you want to commit burglary, if you want to commit grand theft … you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.”
“These acts are despicable,” Hochman said.
