Low·Lifes

[Jazzy]

I just heard on the radio that 10 people were just arrested in my area for looting. These low·lifes were going into homes that had been evacuated due to Hurricane Irene. The homes they targeted were destroyed due to flooding. What little these people could have salvaged was taken away from them. How low can you get to rob people who have lost their homes and steal their belongings!

 

[Rogue]

When some people have nothing to begin with, l can see them doing it when the chance presents itself.

But thats not saying l agree with looting because l don't.

But the homes were slated to be destroyed anyways so the problem l have is why does it matter then ?

Should the looters have waited till the homes were torn down ?

Would they still be considered looters if they did wait ?

 

[Chatsie]

It doesn't matter whether these homes were going to be

demolished or not, the families who lived in them have

been left with precious little enough without strangers

going in and stealing what might be left behind before

the families can retrieve anything.

 

[Rogue]

If the home owners have had no chance to return to gather up their stuff, l agree with you completely. But if the owners have left the stuff behind by choice, then its the same as someone putting out the garbage and someone picks through it.

 

[Jazzy]

But the homes were slated to be destroyed anyways so the problem l have is why does it matter then ?

Several reasons it matters:

• These looters had no right to enter a home which is not their home. That's called breaking and entering with intent to steal.
  
• The homeowners involved in this looting had personal and valuable items left behind when they had to evacuate.
  
• The insurance companies need to go in and determine the extent of loss/damage. Claims are based on the value of personal and real propety lost due to the storm.
  

Should the looters have waited till the homes were torn down ?

These were not their homes and they had no right to be there to begin with.

 

[Rogue]

If these homes are marked for demo and they have signage stating such then the most a looter could get charged with is trespassing .

 

[Jazzy]

If these homes are marked for demo and they have signage stating such then the most a looter could get charged with is trespassing .

I never said these homes are marked for demo. The storm damage extent is still being determined. These homes in question were flooded out and there is little if anything to salvage. The homeowners were just let back into that area to see for themselves the flood damage. These people are now waiting for their insurance companies to come out and check them. That doesn't mean that these homeowners won't rebuild.

 

[Rogue]

Ok that being the case, then you are correct.

I thought the homes were earmarked for demo and signs placed on them.

Don't get me wrong as l think its just terrible that people do that...loot.

 

[legokiba213]

When Hurricane Rita passed through Houston,TX the looting was horrible my local gas station had all it's windows broken and all the stuff inside robbed.

 

[Jazzy]

You would think in times of distruction and tragedy, people would help each and not take advantage!

 

[Evil Eye]

You would think in times of distruction and tragedy, people would help each and not take advantage!

To be honest I would expect both...

 

[Cranos]

You would think in times of distruction and tragedy, people would help each and not take advantage!

Then you have a better image of humans than I have. IMO once the opportunity presents itself, people will take advantage.

 

[Bluezone777]

Considering that most Americans are assholes at their core then I am honestly not surprised by it. Most just play the nice guy but many are only nice on the surface. Give them anonymity and an opportunity like the one described in first post then they show their true colors. In Japan, that sort of behavior is despised and you are treated as garbage if you steal and loot which is why there was no problems after the quake and tsunami. In fact, people put quite a bit of effort in locating people or their next of kin if owner was dead so they can return their safes that got lost during the carnage. Shame we don't know how to be any of that over here.