Two women have been arrested on suspicion of looting after luxury homes were evacuated due to huge landslides in Los Angeles.
A number of homes in the Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verdes Pensinsula – where the average home costs in excess of $1 million – suffered devastating damage in the landslip. A local state of emergency was declared in the area earlier this week.
At least 16 people living in the neighbourhood were evacuated on Saturday. But, as police were securing the perimeter, two women tried to enter the landslide area.
Officers from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) used drones to locate the two suspects.
On social media, a spokesperson for LASD said: “When you work in law enforcement you get to see the wide range of humanity. Sometimes you see the best in humanity, and other times you see the very worst in it.
“This morning deputies were providing security to the homes affected by the landslide in Rolling Hills Estates when they were alerted to two suspects attempting to burglarize the evacuated homes.
“Deputies quickly established a containment around the area as the suspects attempted to flee into the landslide area.
Our partners at Torrance Police Department responded to assist us with their drone operators.
“Together with the Birds Eye view provided by their drone, and through the containment, our deputies were able to take both suspects into custody. We are grateful for the assistance our partners provided, as well as pleased we were able to apprehend these suspects in City of Rolling Hills Estates.
“We are also appalled that there are people who see another person’s misfortune as an opportunity for them to benefit. Great work deputies! And thanks again Torrance Police Department!”
