Robbers impersonate firefighters to steal property in Los Angeles wildfire

(CLO) Los Angeles police said a robber posed as a firefighter to break into and steal property at a house in the Malibu area, which is heavily affected by wildfires.

The incident comes as massive fires rage across the Los Angeles area, forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to evacuate and leaving them worried about the safety of their belongings.

A house burned down by a wildfire in Los Angeles. Photo: X/Zaidi

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said officers located and arrested the suspect in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone.

"We turned him over to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) because he was impersonating a firefighter and was just caught burglarizing a home," Mr. Luna shared at a press conference.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said the investigation determined the man was one of three individuals who drove around devastated neighborhoods looking for opportunities to steal.

To ensure safety, officials have imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in areas heavily affected by the wildfires, such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Anyone who violates this order will be arrested.

The impersonation of a firefighter carries a hefty sentence. According to McDonnell, the impersonation of a firefighter charge could result in a prison sentence of up to a year.

"There are those who will stop at nothing to exploit this tragedy and profit from the pain of the victims," ​​Mr. McDonnell stressed.

As of now, the fires have forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate from a danger zone of more than 162 square kilometers around Los Angeles.

Latest reports say at least 16 people have died and dozens more are still missing. In addition, more than 12,000 structures have been burned down, including hundreds of homes.

Firefighters are working to control the fires with support from several neighboring states. However, harsh weather conditions with strong winds and high temperatures have made the firefighting effort difficult.

In addition, local authorities have called on people to be vigilant against people taking advantage of the situation to steal or commit fraud, especially those impersonating rescue forces.

Los Angeles officials stressed that authorities are increasing patrols and will strictly handle any illegal entry or taking advantage of natural disasters for personal gain.

Residents are advised not to return to their homes until official safety notices are available and to immediately report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Cao Phong (according to Dailymail, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ke-cuop-dong-gia-cuu-hoa-de-trom-tai-san-tai-vung-chay-runglos-angeles-post330115.html