Officials in Los Angeles warn that individuals looting ‘vulnerable communities’ will face consequences

Public officials in Los Angeles County are warning looters who are allegedly targeting homes during devastating wildfires that they will face consequences. Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Sheriff Robert Luna both condemned the looting, with Luna stating that 20 individuals have been arrested so far. He also warned that anyone found in mandatory evacuation zones without authorization will be subject to arrest. District Attorney Nathan Hochman pledged to prosecute offenders with a “maximal punishment.” The fires have resulted in five deaths, burned nearly 30,000 acres, and forced over 100,000 people from their homes. The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, has burned 17,234 acres. The officials did not specify locations of the looting incidents, but two people were arrested in the Altadena area. The scenes of destruction from the wildfires show homes and businesses reduced to ash and rubble. Law enforcement is proactively patrolling to protect communities from looting and criminal activity as the region continues to grapple with the ongoing wildfire crisis.

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