Dozens Nabbed for Looting in California’s Fire-Devastated Areas [WATCH]

Local authorities in Los Angeles have arrested more than 40 individuals accused of looting homes left vacant due to mandatory wildfire evacuation orders.

Police in Santa Monica and neighboring Pacific Palisades have been actively cracking down on criminals preying on residents forced to flee as wildfires continue to devastate the region.

The arrests come as approximately 88,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders due to the 24,000-acre Palisades Fire and other ongoing blazes.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

Santa Monica Police Department officials reported that none of the arrested individuals are local residents.

“None of the arrestees are from Santa Monica,” the department stated, highlighting that outsiders were targeting abandoned homes in affluent neighborhoods.

The suspects were apprehended during routine traffic stops and other law enforcement efforts, which were expanded due to a strict curfew in the area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Police searches of vehicles uncovered items such as masks, gloves, window breakers, and other tools believed to be used for burglaries.

At least ten suspects have been charged with burglary, while others face charges related to drug possession, parole violations, and illegal weapons.

Two of the individuals arrested were found in possession of illegal handguns, according to police reports.

“This is a significant increase in the normal number of arrests in the neighborhoods,” the Santa Monica Police Department noted.

In one incident early Thursday morning, officers stopped a white cargo van with no front license plate.

The vehicle was being driven by Miguel Angel Dorantes, 22, and Dominic Pacheco Magana, 18.

Officers discovered ski masks, gloves, tote bags, and black t-shirts inside the van, along with a smartphone app tracking fire evacuation zones.

Both suspects were charged with intent to commit residential burglaries.

Another arrest occurred Friday morning when police stopped a vehicle with tinted windows and fake license plates.

Inside the car, officers found four suspects: Joshua Charles, 20, Markhi Toles, 20, Khamari Toles, 19, and Fernando Garcia, 22.

The vehicle contained suspicious items, including a handsaw, electronic car key fobs, and programming tools for the fobs.

The four individuals were charged with felony conspiracy to commit vehicle theft.

Drugs were also discovered during some arrests. Moises Becerra Garcia, 49, and Joshua Kalie Love, 29, were found in possession of methamphetamine.

Love was arrested Saturday, just a day after being stopped for violating the curfew in a neighborhood he did not reside in.

The rise in looting has caused significant concern among residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes.

Dozens of Looters Arrested in Fire-Ravaged California Neighborhoods…

Local authorities in Los Angeles have arrested more than 40 individuals accused of looting homes left vacant due to mandatory wildfire evacuation orders.

Police in Santa Monica and neighboring Pacific… pic.twitter.com/qFXNn79WzP

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 15, 2025

On Tuesday, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that nine looting cases have been fast-tracked to prosecution in an effort to send a strong message to potential criminals.

“Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Hochman said during a press conference.

New LA DA Who Beat Soros Backed DA Fired Up To ‘Throw the Entire Book’ at Wildfire Looters…

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman pledged on Monday to take a hardline approach against looters exploiting the devastation caused by the region’s wildfires.

Hochman,… pic.twitter.com/QkaAnj8GX5

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 13, 2025

Police have emphasized that they remain committed to protecting evacuated areas and have increased patrols to deter further looting.

As fires continue to rage, law enforcement is balancing the challenges of aiding fire safety efforts while also responding to criminal activity in affected neighborhoods.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.