With multiple wildfires raging in Los Angeles City, County, and surrounding areas, it has been confirmed that 10 people have lost their lives, with at least 20 individuals arrested for property crimes such as theft and looting.
During a press conference on Thursday, city officials issued stern warnings to those engaging in criminal activities.
Chair of the Los Angeles County Supervisors, Catherine Barger, stated that some individuals are targeting vulnerable communities, committing crimes like home burglaries and robberies. “This is completely unacceptable.”
Sheriff of Los Angeles County, Robert Luna, mentioned that in addition to regular patrol officers, over 400 sheriff’s personnel have been deployed to the wildfire sites.
He highlighted that the department continues to provide security in evacuation areas to prevent crimes like theft.
Luna clarified that staying in evacuated areas when evacuation orders are in effect is a misdemeanor. Committing certain offenses could escalate punishment to a felony.
He emphasized that if someone is found in a community under mandatory evacuation and they are not local residents, they will be arrested.
Luna pointed out that the death toll from the wildfires could rise and reminded residents to follow orders and instructions from local law enforcement and officials. “I cannot overstate this enough, I urge residents asked to evacuate to heed our warnings,” he said.
Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Jim McDonnell, also issued a warning to those trying to take advantage of the crisis.
McDonnell stated, “We will be there, we will work hard to hold you accountable for your actions.”
Newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, who has lived in the area for 60 years, expressed shock at the extent of the devastation.
The cause of the fires has not been determined yet, but the wildfires have already destroyed over 10,000 structures, affecting nearly 180,000 people under evacuation orders. The fire that began on Tuesday has now spread across over 29,000 acres, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Hochman issued a warning to those planning criminal activities, “If anyone is looking to capitalize on looting, theft, or engaging in online scams, taking advantage of those seeking insurance or government assistance, you will be arrested, prosecuted, and face the harshest penalties under the law.”
On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved Los Angeles County’s request to deploy the California National Guard to support local law enforcement efforts.