Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said deputies have arrested at least 20 people for looting homes damaged or destroyed by wildfires.
“Last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property. Absolutely unacceptable,” Luna told reporters at a news conference on Thursday morning.
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He said he’s directed his deputies to begin enforcing laws that keep people out of areas under evacuation orders and arrest those who “do not belong there.”
Luna said he anticipates more criminals will be arrested for looting.
“We’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity,” he said.