Los Angeles County Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents of thieves and vowed to crack down on them Wednesday amid reports of thefts in the county as firefighters battled several wildfires south of California, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire.
“While the community has come together to support each other, we are also aware of individuals who have targeted vulnerable victims to capture this tragedy, seeking to exploit the weaknesses of those who have already endured so much,” the DA said in a statement.
“Let it be clearly known that those who seek to profit illegally from the pain and suffering of others—whether through extortion, fraud, theft, robbery, or any other criminal activity—are they will not be punished.
PALISADES FIRE: HEIDI MONTAG, SPENCER PRATT LOSE HOME; PEOPLE LEAVE RITZY NEIGHBORHOOD
A firefighter works as the Palisades Fire burns a house on a hillside near the Getty Villa Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
He vowed to bring thieves and other criminals to justice.
“To those who have endured problems, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who are working so hard to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and all you do.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that at least two people have been arrested on burglary charges and warned would-be robbers to stay out of the runaway homes.
The Palisades Fire burns beachfront property Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“If you think of entering any of these places to steal from our citizens, you will be arrested, arrested and charged,” he said at a news conference. broadcast by FOX 11 Los Angeles. “Don't do that! Clear these areas. Only for emergency personnel and residents.”
At least five people died in the fires across Southern California, according to officials.
At least 130,000 people have been ordered from their homes.
A house burns in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
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California Governor Gavin Newsom The office said the state is sending more than 7,500 firefighters and crews to help Los Angeles as the fires continue to burn.
Neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico, also sent firefighting equipment.