LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – At least 20 people have been arrested for looting in the wildfire evacuation zones in metro Los Angeles this week, authorities revealed on Thursday.
“20 individuals chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters at a morning news conference.
No details about the arrests were released.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in the city’s history, has destroyed thousands of structures in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas of L.A. County. In Pasadena and Altadena, the Eaton Fire has scorched over 10,000 acres and destroyed countless homes.
More than 100,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders and warnings between the two fires, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable.
“These criminals need to hear an unmistakable message: that if you want to go ahead and loot, if you want to commit burglary, if you want to engage in grand theft … you will be arrested,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “You will be prosecuted, and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.”
Luna said he has directed deputies to increase enforcement within evacuation zones with roving patrols and hard road closures. Anyone caught within evacuated areas, Luna said, could face misdemeanor charges – or felony charges if they are caught looting.
“If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest,” Luna said. “Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement. It’s not to make arrests. It’s to help people.”
