Reports and press releases from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or other official law enforcement agencies.

Los Angeles Wildfires: 20 Arrested for Looting Amid 180,000 Evacuations; National Guard Deployed, Curfew Imposed

Jan 10, 2025, 02:48 PM

Los Angeles County officials have arrested at least 20 individuals suspected of looting homes evacuated due to the wildfires ravaging the region. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger confirmed the arrests and declared, 'Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis.' Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, stating that looters will be held accountable. Some looters have reportedly disguised themselves as firefighters and utility workers to gain access to homes. In response to the looting and ongoing wildfires, authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew in the evacuated areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The California National Guard has been deployed to assist in securing neighborhoods and preventing further criminal activity. Some residents have hired private security to protect their properties. The wildfires have forced over 180,000 people to evacuate, with entire neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades severely affected. Officials are focused on both combating the fires and maintaining public safety amid reports of widespread looting.