The devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, two days ago reduced homes, businesses, and schools to rubble. Hundreds of homeowners were left with nothing, and yesterday they began the slow, painful process of literally picking through the pieces and trying to find anything worth salvaging. Adding insult to injury was the specter of looters, those who prey on the victims of natural disasters, taking advantage of unsecured areas to steal any property of value. Taking the last remaining items of value from those who have lost nearly everything seems a particularly heartless form of theft, one which Moore police officers say they will "hammer as much as [they] can."
Early news reports said that looters were stealing computers from the heavily damaged Moore Medical Center. A security guard later posted at the facility told reporters they were preparing for possible looting. Police presence was intensified around many areas, including Plaza Towers Elementary, and a curfew has been enforced, not only to protect the safety of homeowners in structurally unsound areas, but also to prevent looting.
Oklahoma has not seen the widespread looting that has occurred in other disaster areas around the country. Generally, this state is recognized for its sense of community and volunteer spirit in coming together to help those afflicted by tragedy. Unfortunately, anywhere disaster strikes, opportunists also strike, taking advantage of victims through price gouging, fundraising scams, and even looting.
Yesterday, Moore police announced the first two looting arrests following the the May 20 tornado. Police spokesman Jeremy Lewis said that homeowners in a damaged neighborhood witnessed two men picking through the rubble and putting items in their pockets. The men were arrested and booked into the Cleveland County jail.
Fortunately, stories like this are the exception rather than the rule. While two people have been arrested for looting, thousands of Oklahomans have contributed time, money, and supplies to help the victims of the tornado. Donation drop-off locations had long lines as people dropped off bottled water, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, work gloves, and more. Chesapeake and Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, on behalf of his foundation, each pledged $1 million to support the recovery effort. Shelters have popped up in churches across the area, providing supplies, showers, hot meals, and a place to sleep for displaced tornado victims. According to one Red Cross worker, though, the shelters are not being utilized as well as they should because of the specter of looters. She said that although 50-60 people stopped by the shelter where she volunteered to pick up supplies, fewer than 10 people spent Monday night in the shelter: "They’re afraid to leave their houses because they’re afraid of looters. That’s just wrong — people who’ve lost just about everything shouldn’t have to worry about somebody stealing what’s left.’’
Looters, beware. If you are caught stealing from tornado victims, you will be prosecuted aggressively. Oklahoma will show little tolerance for those who further victimize those who have already lost so much.
