As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, leaving destruction and despair in their wake, opportunistic criminals have descended on vulnerable neighborhoods, targeting homes abandoned by evacuees.
During a press conference Thursday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of at least 20 individuals for looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.
“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,” Luna told reporters.
Luna warned that anyone caught looting or trespassing in evacuation zones would face severe consequences. He emphasized that deputies are patrolling these vulnerable areas.
“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. Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement. It’s not to make an arrest. It’s to help people. But if people choose to commit crimes, they’re going to be held accountable.”
The sheriff confirmed that he expects the number of arrests to rise in the coming days as deputies